It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cynthia Ann Kirby Raffety on May 15, 2024.
Lovingly known as Cindy, she passed peacefully, surrounded by family. Cindy was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, educator, and community leader. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Cindy’s life was a testament to dedication, compassion, and service. Cindy’s early years were spent in Baltimore, where she attended Eastern High School, graduating in 1966. She went on to study mathematics and education at the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 1970. After college, she began her teaching career at Suitland High School.
In 1970, Cindy married the love of her life – J.C. Raffety – and in 1983, they moved to Buckhannon, West Virginia, where they’ve since resided. She taught math at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School for eight years before transitioning to Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where she continued to inspire students until her retirement in 2014. It is conservatively estimated that Mrs. Raffety taught over three thousand students in the Upshur County School System.
In 1991, Cindy earned her Masters of Education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she later served as an adjunct professor in the education department, teaching courses in problem-solving and elementary math concepts, and hosting many student teachers in her classroom. For several years she served as Director of the Summer Institute at the WVWC Learning Center, further demonstrating her commitment to education.
Cindy’s dedication to civic engagement was evident through her involvement in numerous organizations. She was an active member of the Buckhannon, West Virginia, Chapter A, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), the Daughters of the American Revolution (Betty Zane Chapter), the American Friends of Lafayette, Buckhannon Junior Women’s Club, and Community Education Outreach Service (Teter CEOS), where she served as Past President and received the Outstanding Tip of the Hat Member award in 2023. Additionally, Cindy was a proud member of the Ladies of the Shrine and hosted Rotary exchange students in her home for many years.
Her involvement extended to her church community at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where she was a member since 1983. Cindy served as a leader for UMYF and Cre8, volunteered for vacation Bible school, and participated in the handbell choir. In the educational sphere, Cindy was a member and Past President of Delta Kappa Gamma, and she was actively involved in the Math Club, Students Against Drunk Driving, Teen Institute, and Rotary Interact. Her exceptional contributions to education were recognized when she was named Upshur County Teacher of the Year in 1997.
Cindy also enjoyed a vibrant social life, participating in the Red Hats, the Bridge Club, adult tap through Linda’s Dance & Twirl Academy, and clogging classes through the Dance Factory.
Cindy was an animal lover, classically trained pianist, and fan of Monk, Murder, She Wrote, and Chevy Chase comedy films. Her love for life, learning, and community was infectious, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
During Cindy’s battle with ureter cancer, she received exceptional care and attention from the health professionals at St. Joseph’s Hospital, including Drs. Susan Long and Paul Brager, as well as the nursing staff at the infusion center and 2nd floor rehab facility. Toward the end of her treatment, she benefitted immensely from the services of WVU Home Health and Hospice, as well as in-home care from Angel McCartney through Visiting Angels.
The daughter of Samuel Howard Kirby, Jr. and Ellen Lucille Grove, Cindy was predeceased by her parents, only sister Ellen Louise Kirby Coale, and brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Webster Coale. She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, J.C. Raffety, her two children, Jennifer Raffety Whitehair (Jeff Whitehair) and Rob Raffety (Colleen Shogan), two grandchildren, Lindsay Quattro (Dan Quattro) and Mallory Moss, one step-grandchild, Logan Whitehair, and one great grandchild, Vita Quattro. Cindy is also survived by a niece, two nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews.
Cindy’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, students, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cindy’s memory to the Kidney Cancer Association (www.kidneycancer.org) and the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility (www.upshuranimalcontrol.org).
A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held on Sunday, May 26 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. All are welcome to attend and honor her remarkable life and lasting legacy.
Rest in peace, Cindy. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those you touched.
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