Help the family of Rafe rebuild their life

On August 25, 2022, while on a family vacation in Florida, tragedy struck the O’Connor family when Rafe passed away suddenly at the very young age of 40.

After a life lived for his 4 children and at the side of his high school sweetheart, Joanna.

A loss like this is impossible to imagine and completely unexpected. Joanna stayed home to care for the household and their children, Ryder, Killian, Alora and Aria and this loss has left her with some unimaginable challenges.

Rafe was a beloved member of this community, an elmvale native, and a recognizable face. His work at Bourgeois Motors was well respected and many of you treasured his charming personality, his quick smile, his open heart, and his helping nature.

The school plans for Rafe’s boys have been derailed—Ryder (the oldest boy) planned to join his dad in a school placement at Bourgeois this semester and the boys will need time to adjust to this incredible loss.

The girls have bravely started back to school where they can receive support daily from their close group of friends.

Joanna is crushed. Who could anticipate something like this? She will need the help of this incredible community to rally behind her and the kids to get back on their feet with household expenses in order to maintain the stability of the household for the kids and to alleviate the stress of the future for their 4 young children.

Every little bit helps and we appreciate anything you can spare to help them at this time with all of our love and gratitude!