Carolee Rafn

Carolee Rafn, born December 2, 1934, entered peacefully into Heaven on October 21, 2026.

She was the most giving, loving wife of Donald E. Rafn (deceased) and precious mother of H. Jeffrey Rafn (wife Karen), Linda Andrie (husband Von), Carolee Berry (husband Gene), Kristyne Kulis (husband Todd) and foster daughter Ellen Fox (deceased). The grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 20, she provided strength, warmth, and love. She was preceded in death by her mother Francis Geiger, father Harold Geiger, sister Lois Cooper, and brother Glen Geiger.

While raising four children she attained the educational credentials of LISW and MSSA through the University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University. She expressed her love of children and family as Director of Rehabilitation and Community Services and long-term employment at Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron (Akron Children’s Hospital).

She was a quilter extraordinaire, celebrating weddings, births of grand and great grandchildren, and many of life’s transitions with beautiful quilts. Many benefited from her quilting of warm blankets and wall hangings. As a dedicated member of Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational, she shared her love of music as a member of the chancel and bell choirs and her service to community through bread making and mission trips to Costa Rica. She led many a song on long car trips to exciting camping vacations throughout the country, frequently vacationed with extended family on the Outer Banks, N.C., was a bicycler, square dancer, and international traveler.

She leaves a legacy of strong values, strength, love of all people, and sacrifice. Thank you, Mom, as an avid reader, for encouraging us to be strong readers and believers in the value of education. Your service to family and others lives on through the love and service now provided by your children and grandchildren. We note, however, that as a fierce domino player you gave no mercy.

A memorial service celebrating Carolee’s life will be held at the Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational, 217 E. Liberty St. Medina, Saturday November 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. All are invited to come.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be given either to the Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational or the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation (give.akronchildrens.org). Condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.