Mary Elizabeth Lafferty, (nee Rooney), age 103, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023 in Providence, RI. She was born in Clinton, MA and was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth (Daley) Rooney.

Mary had a lifelong love of learning. She graduated from Central Falls High School and later earned a BA from Rhode Island College, a MA from Boston University and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Wesleyan University.

She taught elementary through high school grades for 17 years in Central Falls, RI and for 15 years taught chemistry at Classical High School in Providence, RI. The Girl Scouts was an important part of her life. She led a troop during the school year and was a counselor at various Girl Scout camps during the summer. She made lifelong friendships with her fellow counselors at Camp Hoffman in South Kingston, RI. She also represented the United States Girl Scouts in the exchange camp counselors project in Brazil.

Mary was devoted to her family, and was predeceased by her husband, John Francis Lafferty. She and John shared a wonderful life of travel and family. For many years, they combined the two by vacationing with the family in Falmouth, MA every August, leaving all with wonderful memories.

Mary is also predeceased by her brother Francis Rooney, her sister Elizabeth Mullaly, her son John Lafferty, daughter-in-law Elfriede Lafferty and son-in-law Vincent Dellavalle. Mary is survived by her daughter Mary Ann (Lafferty) Dellavalle, and her adored grandchildren Patrick Della Valle (Samantha) and Monica (Lafferty) Waupotitsch (Robert) and great grandchildren Jackson Dellavalle, Avery Dellavalle and Natasha Waupotitsch as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary was well cared for and made many cherished friends for 13 years as a resident of what is currently called Chapel Hill Senior Living in Cumberland, RI. She was particularly grateful for the many kindnesses shown to her by her nephew John Foley's family, and her nephew David Mullaly.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to her LIfe Celebration to be held with a visitation from 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM, Monday, June 19th, 2023 at St. Aidan-St. Patrick's Church; 1459 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held  at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI 02915.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, 500 Greenwich, Ave. Warwick, RI 02889.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com