Rose Mary De Rafina

Rose M DeRafina of East Boston passed away with family by her side, due to complications from a lengthy illness on Thursday March 18, 2021, she was 89 years old. At her request there will be no viewing, though the family will hold a memorial service at a place and time to be determined for friends who want to share in her life and memories

She is survived by nieces Debra A (DeMonte) Concannon and husband Kevin of Saugus Ma., niece Joanne Rapallo of Wildomar Ca, nephew Ralph Dell and wife Geri of Wildomar Ca and Diana (DeMonte) Pirone and husband Patrick of Saugus Ma and many great nieces and nephews.

Rose was preceded in death by her son Vincent Demonte. She was youngest of seven and also preceded in death by brothers Ralph DeMonte, Matteo DeMonte, Michael DeMonte, Domenic Demonte and sisters Marie Concetta Dell’Ofano, and Anna Rapallo.

Rose was a longtime companion to Rinaldo Mantini until his passing in 1995.

In her lifetime, Rose was driven to be the best she could be, finishing her GED later in life, then achieving an Associate’s Degree from Bunker Hill Community College. She wore many hats, as a mother, sister, and friend. She achieved successes as a Beautician, a Legal Secretary, and a Notary Public and worked in the business end of hotels and travel.

Rose was at times a free spirit, it was not unusual to see her walking all over her beloved East Boston neighborhood. She had a quick wit, strong opinions and a personality that grew on you. With Rose, you always knew where you stood, she never held back for better or worse, but she was always fiercely loyal to those she considered her friends. She was an avid reader, enjoyed music and the outdoors.

Later in life she was active in the PACE center in East Boston, where she had many friends. She was a fixture at the front door where she could watch the changes in the people in the neighborhood, when she needed something different, she would shift to “poolside” with a select few of her inner circle of loyal friends.

Rose has become a fixture in the PACE community, she leaves her friends and family to join her son and brothers and sisters, mother and father, but she will be missed by all.