About Lynne

Reprinted from the Times Tribune, April 24, 2006


Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith April 21, 2006

Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith, 37, of Glenmoore, formerly of Malvern, died Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a two-month battle with colon cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Smith. Born May 29, 1968, in Charlottesville, Va., she was the daughter of Arline and Gervus Rafalko, of Malvern, and the daughter-in-law of Rodney and Yvonne Smith, of West Chester. She graduated in 1986 from Great Valley High School and from the University of Delaware in 1991. She was a former biology teacher at Downingtown High School. Lynne dedicated herself to her husband and and children and expressed her devotion through her many family-centered activities, holiday celebrations and day-to-day loving and caring. She could frequently be seen in her yard, running and playing with her children and the sound of their laughter echoed in and around the home. Her zest for life added a spark not only to her everyday home life, but to extended family gatherings and time spent with neighbors and friendsShe died peacefully in the presence of her family.Also surviving are a son, Benjamin Michael, at home; two daughters, Riley Lynne and Shelby Catherine, both at home; a brother, Leonard Rafalko (Alison); two sisters, Karen Griffith (Gary); and Laureen Romer (Jeff); 10 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Tristie Junier (Ed); a brother-in-law, Ryan Smith,; and additional relatives in the Scranton area.The funeral will be Wednesday, with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Fellowship Road and Route 100, Upper Uwchlan. Friends may call Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. until Mass time in the church. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.

Lynne expressed a wish that her death from colon cancer have a greater purpose.

Lynne's Eulogy: April 26, 2006

Lynne's Eulogy

Written & Read by Susan Hunt, Kathy Deanna & Stacey Bonnell

(Susan Hunt)

Lynne was a very close and dear friend to so many of us here today. On Saturday night, some of

Lynne's oldest friends got together to help each other through this difficult time. Some of us had

not seen each other in years. Immediately, there was laughter and reminiscing. Reflecting on

our years of friendship, it occurs to us that special friends, friends you've shared your childhood

with, through adulthood, sharing milestones like marriage and children, life's joys and losses -

they become more than a friend, they become a part of who you are, part of your soul.

Today, each of us feels the terrible loss of Lynne in our lives, but we are also here to celebrate

the gift of her beautiful spirit that has touched and enriched each of us and will forever fill our

souls. So, we thank God for giving us Lynne, and for allowing us to grow up with her. I

remember in Jr. High hanging around In Lynne's bedroom dreaming of kissing our boyfriends

(which we didn't have yet) in Bloomingdales entryway - we thought it was romantic. Don't ask

me why... We all loved the person she was, and the people we became when we were with her.

(Stacey Bonnell)

Lynne was pure, angelic, ethereal, soft and sweet but with just the right amount of spice. As

teenagers living in Malvern, we weren't inundated with exciting things to do. But Lynne had a

way of making the ordinary, extraordinary. Lynne organized Formal dinners and a big yellow

bus to take us to Prom. Lynne was creative and spontaneous which we desperately needed.

Lynne never, ever forgot a birthday. You could always call Lynne when you needed an address

or a phone number. When all else failed, Lynne would never hesitate to call your parents to find

you. Lynne made her friendships a priority and we all felt valued as a result. Lynne was a leader

who never left any one out. She was the glue that kept our circle of friends together. When I had

moved three times and fell out of touch, Lynne made sure she let me know when something

important happened at home. Lynne had a list of "50 Things to Do" in her life. One was:"Move

Away". Although she never moved far, she learned that everything she needed was right here

all along.

It has been said that we are all born with a purpose. Once that purpose is fulfilled, we go. I

know, all of us here, can think of a reason why Lynne came into our lives. I also know, all of us,

wish that her 'purpose' hadn't been fulfilled....so soon.

(Kathy Deanna)

Lynne was a Wonderful Mother. She always put family first. She adored her children. Around
them she was playful and magical. She cherished her relationship with her husband. He was the
love of her life. Lynne will always be a role model for us as we continue to develop our own
families.


(Stacey) Today, we make a commitment, on behalf of Lynne’s oldest friends, to continue to
nurture our friendships as Lynne would have wanted for us.


(Susan) Today, we make a commitment to embrace you, Mike and support you in every way

we can.


(Kathy) Today, we make a commitment to keep Lynne's beautiful spirit alive for her children,

always.