1937 ~ Mrs. Vermuda Legautta Rafuse (née Mayo) ~ 2026 "A Memorial Service will be held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. If friends so choose, they may wear something blue or turquoise, Vermuda’s favoured clothing colours."

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mrs. Vermuda Legautta Rafuse (née Mayo) announce her passing on August 19, 2026, at Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 89 years. Vermuda was born in Burin, Newfoundland on March 26, 1937, the tenth child of thirteen, and the first girl, born to Alfred and Elizabeth Mayo. Upon graduating high school, Vermuda moved to Nova Scotia, joining her mother and three younger siblings. While working in Halifax Vermuda met Dean Rafuse, whom she married on April 15, 1957. In 1963 they moved west to Stettler, Alberta; they settled in Red Deer ten years later, where they raised their three daughters.

Vermuda was employed for many years with the Alberta Government, cultivating valued, longtime friendships throughout those years. After retiring she spent countless hours in her garden, where she delighted in growing beautiful perennials and tending to her geraniums. She especially enjoyed visiting with and caring for her grandchildren, cooking their favourite meals (and pancakes when they slept over!) taking them to music and swimming lessons, theatre productions and other special outings, and always engaging one hundred per cent with them. Vermuda enjoyed the many trips that she and Dean took together, as they visited family in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, both before and after they retired. Following Dean’s death, Vermuda moved to Timberstone Mews, where she lived independently until her death. She appreciated the camaraderie offered by those in her new community and forged several close friendships during that time.

Vermuda is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Peggy Rafuse and Susan (Randy) Chidley; grandchildren Duncan (Abby) McDougall and Vanessa and Troy Chidley; cherished sister, Shirley (Eric) Smith; brother Alfred (Jean) Mayo; former son in law Guy Pelletier; sister-in-law Mabel Mayo; special nephew, Bruce Rafuse; special great nieces Christine Mayo and Angela Rae, along with numerous nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the United States. Vermuda was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Cheryl, in 2010; loving husband, Dean, in 2016; niece, Linda Rafuse; nephew, Peter Rafuse; and numerous family members, including ten brothers.

A Memorial Service will be held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. If friends so choose, they may wear something blue or turquoise, Vermuda’s favoured clothing colours. If desired, Memorial Donations in honour of Vermuda may be sent to the Canadian Association for Williams Syndrome at https://www.williamssyndrome.ca/, the Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation at https://www.rdrhfoundation.com/, or MADD Canada at https://madd.ca/pages/. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.