Carole Connor
04-06-2007

Carole Rafferty - Connor, age 68, died unexpectedly at her residence on April 6, 2007. Carole Dee Donnelly was born on October 21, 1938 at Elk Point, SD. She married Tom Rafferty at Elk Point on June 29, 1963. He preceded her in death in 1998. She married Martin Connor at Sturgis on July 13, 2001. She is survived by her husband - Martin of Madison. Three sons - Mike (Mary) Rafferty MD of Rapid City. Dan (Kelly) Rafferty of Yankton and Brian (Leah) Rafferty of Spearfish, SD. One daughter - Kathy (Pete) Ferguson of Gillette, WY. 12 grandchildren Five step-sons - Martin J. (Susan) , Mike (Becky) and Matt (Catherine) Connor all of Winfred, Paul (Michelle) Connor of LaMars, IA and John (Libby) Connor of Omaha, NE and one step daughter - Mary Connor of St Paul, MN. 15 step grandchildren. One brother - Dave Donnelly of Broomfield, CO and two sisters - Clarice Neilsen of Sioux City, IA and Deb Wilcox of Columbus, NE. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at St Thomas Aquinas in Madison, SD with Rev Robert Vinslauski officiating. Burial will be in Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis. Carole grew up in Elk Point graduating from Elk Point High School in 1956 and received her Bachelor Degree from Mt Marty in 1960. She taught 7th grade history at R.B. Williams Middle School in Sturgis for 25 years. She was a member of the Sturgis Community Theater, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Sturgis Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. In 2001 she moved to Madison where she substitute taught in Madison Schools and St Thomas Grade School. She also was a member of P.E.O. Catholic Daughters of America, Church Women United, and volunteered for the English as a Second Language Program. There will be parish scripture service to be followed by a Catholic Daughter Rosary at 7:00 PM on Monday at the Weiland Funeral Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements.