Linda Louise Kelley Rafala, 78, of Middletown, passed away on Friday, February 11 at Middlesex Health Care Center.

Born April 2, 1943, in Durham, Connecticut, Linda had a wry wit and a deep love for arts and crafts, puzzles, and Scrabble. A registered nurse at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown for many years, Linda was also an accomplished seamstress. In 1965, Linda married Sebastiano Rafala, a hard-working Sicilian immigrant whose sister lived next door to her parents in Durham.

Linda was a loving mother to her three children and instilled in them a love of books and learning. Creativity also played a central part in Linda's life. If she wasn't at her sewing machine, then she was knitting her children warm sweaters and scarves to get through the cold New England winters. She also doted on her three grandchildren, Isabella, Abby, and Eric, treasuring visits and photos. Watching them grow up gave her so much joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Wilson Stevens. Survivors include Linda's husband, Sebastiano; their three children, Lucia, Carmelo, and Marco; as well as three beloved grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on Thursday, February 17, at 10 a.m. at D'Angelo's Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut. For the safety of everyone, masks are required for entry and will be provided for those without. Social distancing guidelines will also be observed. Burial will be on Thursday, February 17, at 11 a.m. at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue in North Haven. A Catholic Mass will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Linda's memory may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.