Racine- Janet Gloria (nee: Wells) Raffini, 74, passed away unexpectedly at the Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 7:00 pm. A lifetime resident, Janet was born in Racine on January 13, 1932 to the late Dominick and Anna B. “Mama Guido” (nee: DeMark) Wells. She graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1950 along with her high school sweetheart and future husband, David A. Raffini. Janet went on in school to earn her degree and become a licensed Cosmetologist. On June 19, 1954 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to her soul mate, David Anthony Raffini, who preceded her in death on May 4, 1994. Not only were they high school sweethearts, Janet and David spent their careers together, working side by side, as they owned and operated Mr. David’s Hair Fashion, now known as Mystic Hair Studio, on Durand Ave. from 1963 until Dave’s untimely death in 1994. As hard as it was, Janet continued to run the business until retiring in 1997. Janet was a dedicated and charter member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Cosmetologists Association, honorary member of Fifth Street Yacht Club and always looked forward to being with the ladies at the monthly card club. During her working years, Janet had little time for hobbies. Thus, during retirement, she could often be found trying her luck at Potawatomi Casino or playing a friendly game of cards. Above all, Janet was happiest and loved being in the surroundings of her entire family. She was so proud of all of them. Surviving are her children, Terri Mohr, Jeffrey (Joanne) Raffini and Dominic (Mary) Raffini; grandchildren, Spc. Lucas and Anthony Mohr, Nicole (Fred) and Katie Raffini, step-grandchildren, Julie Hadlock, Allicia Gerth and Joseph Osterbrink; special friend, Lisa Stewart; sisters, Marion Fusaro and Evelyn Matissek; brothers, William (Kelly) Wells and Jerry (Judi) Wells; brothers-in-law, Jack Raffini and James (Carol) Raffini; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Raffini, Jeanine (Rick) Fassl and Renee (Mark) Whipple; by many special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, loyal friends, former customers and employees, too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Janet was preceded in death by David’s parents, John and Clara (nee: Urli) Raffini; brothers, Carl Wells (who was killed in the Korean War) and Benny (Mary Ann) Wells; infant sister, Patty; brothers-in-law, Gene Fusaro and Gerhard Matissek; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen and Joyce Raffini; nieces, Mary Jean Matissek and Pamela Wells; dear cousin, Carmella Benson; and by her cherished friends, Norma Saunders and Carm Presta. Funeral services will be celebrated in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Sunday, October 22, 2006 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Private burial services for family and close friends will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 on Monday. In memory of Janet, memorials may be made to the Raffini family for a cause to be determined at a later date.
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