Jacqueline “Jackie” McNeill Rafes
Jacqueline “Jackie” McNeill Rafes, 87, of Beaumont, died Monday, June 20, 2022. She was born on April 10, 1935, in Valley Mills, Texas, to Lola Mae Jones and Hubert Alexander McNeill.
Jackie graduated High School in Bremerton, Washington, and went on to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Jackie was a very spirited person, and she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the Junior League, loved playing Mahjong and taking drives. Jackie was well traveled and enjoyed spending time at her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Survivors include her children, Katharine “Kate” Bordages Freter and her husband Dr. Carl E. Freter, of St. Louis, Missouri; Joseph Adriance Bordages, III and his wife, Julia A., of Hockley; and Allison Bordages Koskella of Beaumont; grandchildren, Joseph “Josh” Adriance Bordages, IV; Emily R. Kramer and her husband, Elliot; Matthew Koskella; and Lindsay Ark and her husband, John; and great-grandchildren, Briella Bordages; Malachi Ark; Suzie Ark; and Hadley Ark.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Dr. Earl Hunter Rafes.
Cremation arrangements for Mrs. Rafes were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Dear Kate, I’m so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful picture of your mother, I can see you in this picture. May your memories bring you peace and comfort during this time.
Dear Kate: I’ve been in San Miguel all week. I never visited your mother’s house here, but saw photos and I’m almost certain I walked past it one quiet, desolate night a couple of days ago. I said a little prayer. I loved your mother, as did my parents, Jean and Earl. Once she gave me $50 to buy a San Miguel friend who lived in New York a bottle of champagne as an entree for me to befriend him. A year went by and I never connected with him. She walked into my parents’ Xmas party. I was mortified and told her that I never delivered the champagne. She said, “Drink it. He died.” That story is always a crowd pleaser. I loved her humor and beauty, outside and in. Much love, Jamie Brickhouse
Dear Allison:
I’m thankful I was able to get to know & visit with your mother a few times last year. She was kind & lighthearted with me. I’ll always remember her pretty smile and bright eyes. I know Miss Jackie was a little envious & of our constant laughter, and probably shocked seeing us still in our pajamas till noon, like we were teenagers again! Hopefully she enjoyed our senior silliness! Now she will be forever young!!!
You are so brave to have been there for her for the past five years. It’s amazing that she had a moment of clarity in which to thank you. I’m so thankful for that! It brings tears to my eyes thinking of it, and reminds me of my Mom’s brief lucid words to me a few days before she left this earth.
I love you, my dear friend!!!
Rayann St. Peter
Your mother was not a close friend but I felt a deep connection to her. We bought her home on Honeysuckle in 1968. I still live there. She wrote kind notes to me on several occasions. I was Josh’s second grade teacher.. Josh I know how much she loved you. Even though it might be time, it is difficult to lose a mother & grandmother. In God’s love, Suzy Hall Stockert
RIP Jackie… you will be missed.
Kate: So sad for the loss of your beautiful mom! May those precious memories sustain you in the coming days! My love and prayers to you and the family.
Dear Kate:
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Big hugs and prayers. May your wonderful memories of her comfort you in the days to come.
Jackie was truly a wonderful lady. I was lucky enough to get to know her and always enjoyed our visits. I know how important her family was to her and she was blessed to have her children’s devoted care in her final years. She will be missed!