WILMINGTON — Eleanor Elizabeth Raftery Wolfe, 95, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center.
Eleanor was born Oct. 14, 1922, in Wilmington to James and Irene Fredericks Raftery. She was preceded in death by both parents and her husband of 55 years, Lloyd H. Wolfe, former fire chief of Wilmington. Also preceding her in death were five siblings, James, Bernard, and William Raftery, Olivia Turner and Emily Oliphant.
Eleanor was a woman of faith and an active member of First Baptist Church in Wilmington, where she especially loved her Sunday School classes, Tuesday prayer meetings, Christmas concerts and Christmas Eve midnight services. She enjoyed decorating for Christmas and making her village and tree spectacular. Neighborhood children loved trick-or-treating at her house … her candy was delicious and plentiful.
She always showed up when needed and truly had a servant’s heart. She was about giving joy and bringing smiles to everyone. Her Tuesday outings were a highlight of her week. Having Lois do her hair and Belk’s on Senior Day were favorites. She loved going to amusement parks and trips to the beach with her family and always added to the fun. She played any game and though competitive, she always ended up “The Old Maid.”
Eleanor is survived by Barbara W. Magnuson of Peachtree Corners, Ga., James A. Wolfe, and his wife, Gladys, of Wilmington and Eleanor W. Jones (Beth), and her husband, Talmage; grandchildren who adored her are Ronald J. Magnuson (Diane) of Augusta, Ga., Julia M. LeDoyen (Jon) of Dunwoody, Ga., Amy W. Lovelace (Jeff) of Cincinnati, Ohio, James A. Wolfe II (Luisa Gonzalez) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Frederick Noel Day (Kim) of Raleigh, N.C. Great-grandchildren are Amber M. Petty (David), Andrew and Clint Magnuson, Davis and Porter LeDoyen, Caroline and Cate Lovelace, Francesca and Marco Wolfe and Maddie and Katie Day. Great-great-grandchildren are Ansleigh Petty, and Brock and Logan Magnuson.
She will always be our Angel Mama, a name given by her first great-grandchild. Like the Hallmark Channel that she loved, she has her happy ending.
The family expresses gratitude to God and LCF Hospice Center for the special care received.
A public celebration of her life for family and friends will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at Andrews Chapel, located at 17th and Market streets. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward as you choose.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
