Amy Carolyn Stewart Rafuse (née Murray), passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 15, 2026 at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Amy was born on February 28, 1955 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Her life was one of compassion, faith, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Amy’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 54 years, Bill Rafuse; their children: Bill (Pam), Randy (Ashley), and Beth (Mike); as well as her cherished grandchildren: Emily Rafuse; Grace and Sarah MacPhee; Lauren, Hayden, Rhowen, and Ashton Rafuse. She also leaves behind her mother, Nancy (Humphreys) Sharpe; siblings: Marnie (David) Bonvie, Anne Bryan, Beverly MacNeill (Austin Park), Robert Bryan, Faith (Gordon) Campbell, and Erin Bryan (Richard Hameder); brother and sister-in-law, Rod and Rhonda Rafuse; along with many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart.
She was predeceased by her father, Emerson Murray; sister, Lisa Bryan; grandparents: Tom and Emma (Reid) Murray and John and Chrissy (Johnstone) Humphreys; mother and father-in-law, Albert and Minnie Rafuse and lifelong treasured friend, Mary Lou Bennett.
Amy dedicated over 25 years of her life to Highland Community Residential Services. Her work was more than a career, it was a calling that allowed her to touch countless lives with extraordinary patience and boundless compassion. This was evident with all her clients, but especially with her friend, Keri Chisholm, who became family. She has left behind a legacy of kindness and empathy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond her professional work, Amy was a woman of strong, lifelong faith. She nurtured her spiritual life throughout the years, seeking fellowship in various church communities, and most recently found a true, beloved home at Master’s Hand Ministry. Her life was anchored by this deep devotion, which served as the foundation for the gentle, caring spirit she shared with everyone she met.
Guided by a lifetime of faith and a selfless dedication to others, Amy’s life was defined by a love that touched everyone she met. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit of service remains an enduring source of inspiration and comfort. We hope that those who mourn her passing find peace in the lasting warmth of her memory and the grace with which she lived.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 7-9pm and funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 11am, both to be held at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow.
The family would like to extend our special thanks to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate support and care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Amy’s memory consider making a donation to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society, as her legacy of love and service will continue through the support of others. Family flowers only.