Laura (Manfredi) Rafaels, beloved and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this earth peacefully on November 1, 2018 at the Wilson Healthcare Center in Gaithersburg after a brief illness.
Laura was the beloved mother of Nicolette Nicolia, Raymond Rafaels (Nadine), Karen Riddell (Ross), and Valerie (Steve) Shollenberger. She was a grandmother to twelve, and a great-grandmother to three, with two more on the way. Laura is survived by her brother, Philip Manfredi of California, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Born in Bari, Italy, Laura emigrated to America with her parents and three siblings at a young age, settling in the Chicago area. She met her husband, Bob, at work, and moved to the Maryland area after their third child was born. Laura was a homemaker, who loved to cook and raise her children. Later on, she worked at R.I.C.A. in Rockville as a food manager, retiring after more than 20 years. Later she rejoined the workforce as a food demonstrator at Costco until the age of 86.
Formerly of Derwood, MD, Laura moved to the Churchill Senior Living complex in Germantown in 2016, and enjoyed bingo, shopping, and visiting with family and friends. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her.
Family and friends will celebrate her life at a private funeral. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.