Constance R. "Connie" (MacNevin) DiRaffaele passed away at her home in Melrose, on June 20, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was 78 years of age. Connie was born in Lowell, raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1952 and has been a lifelong resident. Mrs. DiRaffaele was a loving and dedicated wife ,mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who cherished the times spent with her family. Connie loved to go sailing on Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, was a life member of the Quannapowitt Yacht Club and enjoyed racing her O' Day sailboat named the "Mimi D". Mrs. DiRaffaele was a member of St. Mary's Church in Melrose where she was a Eucharistic minister. Connie enjoyed going to yoga, painting and arts & crafts at the Milano Senior Center in Melrose, loved taking trips to Bermuda and spending time with family at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. She was the beloved wife of 54 years to Richard A. DiRaffaele. Loving mother of Joy Bowie & her husband Glenn of Malden, Deborah DiRaffaele of Wakefield, Peter DiRaffaele & his wife May and Lynda O'Connell & her husband Tim all of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of Andrew, Scott, Keri, Kristen, Alyssa, Michael and Derek. Devoted sister of Sandra Heuston & her husband Joe of Bartlett, NH and the late Phyllis Hunter. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Tuesday, June 25th at 9AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Monday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to Hallmark Health Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 178 Savin St., Suite 300, Malden, MA 02148.