It is with incredible sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our loving mother Elvera Louise Rafter, age 83, on April 10, 2021. She is survived by her five children, Mark (Angela), Rainford (Ann-Marie), Rosie, Christine, Fredrick, and her late son Alfred.

Mom was blessed and loved dearly by her fifteen grandchildren, Marcus, Victoria, Rainford Jr, Kaleigha, Shaundre, Kaigen, Tisaine, Warren, Tianna, Tameka, Daysha, Nicole, Nikki, Jason, Daniel, and twelve great- grandchildren.

Mom was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 9, 1938. At the young age of 33, she emigrated to Toronto, Ontario Canada seeking a better life for children. Mom was relentless at ensuring her young children was given the best possible opportunity to excel at whatever each of her children choose to do. In the eyes of her children, she is a champion, in the heart of her grandchildren & great-grandchildren she is their hero.

Mom lived a beautiful and fulfilling life. Her laughter was infectious, her love was unlimited, her cooking was delicious & her disciplining was stern……always instilling the importance of kindness and respect for others. Mom was persistent at conquering any challenges or obstacles that came her way with grace and dignity. Mom was a devoted Christian and found extreme joy, happiness & most of all peace in her closeness to God.

Mom, you will be forever loved and never forgotten. Your legacy will live in the lives of the family you leave behind. We are at comforted knowing you are now with God. Rest in Peace.



FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."