Beverly Rafferty

Beverly Favrot Himel Rafferty passed away in the loving arms of her husband, James, early Sunday morning.
Bev lived a rich and rewarding life.  She graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in 1978 and made her debut in New Orleans, reigning as Queen of Momus in 1981.  She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, studied at the University of Hawaii and UNO-Innsbruck and graduated from LSU in 1982.  She then earned a degree from the Parsons School of Design in New York City and worked for interior designer Peter Marino.
In 1988, Bev married Renaud James Rafferty in New Orleans.  They began married life in NYC and were transferred to Hong Kong with their young daughters, Charlotte and Beverly "Bebe."  In Hong Kong, Bev belonged to the Shop Until You Drop Club.  In 1995, after traveling extensively across the Asia-Pacific region, they moved stateside to Summit, NJ, where Bev refined her exacting taste and love for vivid color.  She worked for Stevens and Smith Interior Design and enjoyed entertaining, gardening, and supporting her daughters from the sidelines of soccer and basketball games.
After living in Concord, MA and Alexandria, VA, Bev and James bought an historic home close to the beach in Pass Christian, MS where she labored for two years transforming the garden and home into a masterpiece.  There is nothing Bev loved more than gathering with friends of all ages at the Pass Christian Yacht Club.  She was also a passionate member of the Pass Christian Garden Club, the town's Historical Society, and the Bookish Book Club of New Orleans.  As one friend said "It's not only a terrible loss to the family, it's a staggering loss for the community."  Bev's beaming smile, jubilant laugh, and love for friends and strangers alike were her hallmarks.  She loved her family and friends deeply and faced her cancer bravely.
Her father, Thorn Himel, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, James; daughters, Charlotte and Bebe; mother, Beverly Himel; sister, Charlotte Himel; brothers, Thorn and Neil Himel; a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a legion of close friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5 pm, Friday, May 3, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Pass Christian followed by her burial in Live Oak Cemetery and a then a celebration of life party at their family home.  Guests are asked to dress colorfully in Bev's honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stand Up To Cancer - SU2C.org.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com