Sharon Teeple Rafferty

Profile Updated: June 30, 2023
Residing In: Philadelphia, PA USA
Occupation: Retired!
Children: Naomi, 1976. She has two children, Winter (18 years old) and William 15 years old).
Virginia, 1978. More… She is 15 months younger than Naomi. She's widowed and has one daughter, Isabella (19 years old).
Military Service: U.S. Army  
Comments:

I've retired from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. 32 years in government (25 with FMCS, 4 with the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Investigations Dicision, and almost 3 years with the U.S.Army, 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in Ansbach, Germany)

Now I am a 'household engineer,' and enjoy doing all the things I want to do. I planned to take a road trip around the state with my sister, but we've postponed that, for now. I still have a garden and continue to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, trees, & flowers in my back yard. The blueberries & strawberries did much better this year. I got a late start this year due to weather. All of my vegetable and flower seeds have germinated, and everything looks promising!

My daughters and grandchildren are doing great! Isabella had an excellent freshman year at Temple. Winter just graduated high school and we are very proud of her accomplishments. William had an excellent freshman year at the Pathway School, where he will continue his education. Thankfully, everyone is in good health. We are so blessed! All is good!

Prior Profile:
I enlisted in the Army in September, 1973 when I was 18. (I thought at the time, I'll "Join the Army and see the world!", and "Be all that you can be" - which I did!) Enlisting was probably one of the smartest things that I ever did. I served as a Communications Center Specialist, with the 141st Signal Battalion, in Ansbach, West Germany (about 35 kilometers from Nueremburg - Geez, I hope I spelled that right.)
My 1st husband was stationed in the same unit as I was. We got married in December, 1975, in Germany. After our honorable discharges, we moved to rural Alabama, where he was from. Jimmie Landers & I had 2 daughters. After two years and too much abuse, my daughters and I escaped and moved to South Philadelphia, where my Dad moved after Mom died. I've lived in South Philadelphia ever since.
Two years later, I met Richard Rafferty. I was 25 and he was 36. He and I raised our daughters (and as far as we're concerned, he's always been their Dad!) Richard was my best friend, the love of my life, my everything. He passed away 18 years ago on my birthday, from cancer. Richard worked for 31 years as a deckhand on tugboats. I work for the Federal government. Anyway, we worked hard, bought a house, raised our girls, watched them grow, get married, and now I am blessed with 3 grandchildren. I wish Richard could've lived long enough to see them, but I get the feeling he watches over us every day. My family, and especially my grandchildren, bring me so much joy!
In spite of all the tragedies and drama over the years, I try to live a very quiet, peaceful life. I hope that anyone who may read this is as lucky as I've been and has as wonderful a life!!
Media was a great place to grow up, Penncrest was a great school, and I knew some really special people.

All the best to you and your families!
Sincerely,
Sharon Rafferty (nee: Teeple, a.k.a. Landers)

School Story:

Graphic Arts & Photography and Metal Shop were my two favorite classes at Penncrest. I learned a great deal. I hope they still offer the variety of classes that we had the opprotunity to enroll in when we were there.

Sharon's Latest Interactions

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Sharon Teeple Rafferty has left an In Memory comment for her Profile.
Feb
27
Feb 27, 2024 at 11:53 PM

Renee and I became best friends in 10th grade. She was in my English class and after admiring her beautiful grey suede boots, we became fast friends. We enjoyed many good times through our high school years. While I was stationed halfway around the world, and later when I lived down South, we remained close. Eventually, I returned, and settled in South Philadelphia. I met my 2nd husband through Renee and her husband Fred. Both of our husbands were from South Philadelphia, and we lived near each other. Many holidays were spent at my house, and my daughters were very fond of their Aunt Renee and Uncle Freddie. We lost touch after both of our husbands passed, and Renee moved back to Middletown. I regret that we weren't able to reconnect at our 50th Reunion last October. I hope that someday we will reunite again.

Sharon Teeple Rafferty posted a message on Susan Platt's Profile. New comment added.
Dec
09
Dec 09, 2023 at 4:58 PM

Posted on: Dec 09, 2023 at 10:19 AM

Hi Susan! Hope all is well with you!

Sep
10
Sep 10, 2023 at 4:33 AM
Jun
30
Jun 30, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Sharon Teeple Rafferty has left an In Memory comment for her Profile.
May
17
May 17, 2023 at 11:17 AM

I knew Bill to be a kind and quiet guy, with a great sense of humor! He was my date for the Jr. Prom, and we had a great time there and at the party at Michael Drury's house. I have never forgotten when about 8 of us rode with Kirby Fleischman in his father's giant Lincoln to the Zodiac bar in Atlantic City. (New Jersey had just lowered the drinking age to 18, but has since repealed that.) We didn't drink much or make fools of ourselves, but we danced and had a great time. I was surprised to learn that Bill served 20 years in the Marine Corps! (I suppose many were surprised when I enlisted in the Army in September, 1973.) Thank you Bill for the good times and for your Service. May you forever rest in peace! ????

Sep 10, 2022 at 4:33 AM
Sharon Teeple Rafferty added a comment on her Profile.
Nov 02, 2021 at 11:47 AM
Sep 10, 2021 at 4:33 AM
Sep 10, 2020 at 4:33 AM
Sharon Teeple Rafferty has left an In Memory comment for her Profile.
Jul 17, 2020 at 10:45 AM

I offer deepest consolences to her family and friends. As children, I remember Debbie as a fun person who loved her family and spent many weekends on her family's boat. May she rest in peace with God and the angels.

Sharon Teeple Rafferty added a photo to her profile gallery.
Mar 04, 2020 at 9:53 PM