Mary Quinn Rafferty (Coulter)

Mary Quinn Rafferty (Coulter) — aka, Maryquinn and MQ, age 80, of Liberty, Missouri, died on September 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Maryquinn was born to Joseph McKean Coulter and Alma (Dennis) in Clinton, Iowa, on October 23, 1944. She has a sister, Louneille (Parker), who is currently living near Annapolis, MD. The Coulter family was members of the First Methodist Church in Clinton.

Maryquinn attended the Clinton schools and graduated from high school in 1963. The Coulter family was members of the First Methodist Church in Clinton. After graduation, she left for work with friends to California for a brief time, returning home to Clinton, Iowa. She married Thomas William Rafferty in 1965 and moved to Savanna, Illinois. They had four sons: Matthew (1967), Mark (1969), Bradley(1981), and Joel (1984). Thomas and Maryquinn raised their four boys in Wheaton, Illinois.

After her marriage, Maryquinn held various jobs in Illinois before relocating to Vancouver, B.C. There, she became the Marketing Director for Sunrise of Vancouver Senior Living Center until her retirement at the end of 2010.

In 2010, Maryquinn joined Classmates.com around the same time that a former classmate, John Wrightfield, did. After nearly 48 years apart, and a year of emails, the two discovered common interests.

Maryquinn and John were married on June 9, 2011, and reside in Liberty, Missouri. In 2022, they became members of the Liberty United Methodist Church.

Maryquinn is survived by her husband, John Wrighfield; her sister, Esther Louneille Parker; her children: Matthew (Julie) Rafferty, Mark (Peggy) Rafferty, Bradley (Emily) Rafferty, Joel (Haley) Rafferty; her stepdaughter, Joani Harshman; her fourteen grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Their blended marriage includes five grown children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson (a great-granddaughter is on the way). Above all, Maryquinn always loved her grandchildren unconditionally.

MQ enjoys being around people, especially her children, grandchildren, and friends. Love is at the core of her being. No one is a stranger! MQ will speak to anyone and often casts a compliment. While she may notice the faults in others, her focus is always on love. Her favorite saying is, "You don't turn down love." She always strives to uplift those around her by giving compliments and highlighting their positive qualities, all while showing her sparkling eyes and bright, cheerful smile.

Maryquinn (MQ) loves rocks, sand, seashells, and—let's not forget—the chocolate! (And, Matthew, she loves your WiFi dog.) She is crafty and loves crocheting blankets. Additional loves include Michael Kors perfume, Dead Sea salts, jewelry, fuzzy slippers, dragonflies, and decorative olive oils and vinegars—plus many more. Her very favorite foods (did I mention the dark chocolate?) are peanut butter M&Ms, animal crackers, yogurt, oatmeal, and chocolate chip pancakes. She loves making bread, especially sourdough bread, and follows her mother's recipes to a tee.

MQ's favorite songs, hymns, and artists include "The Old Rugged Cross," "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel, "May It Be" by Enya, "The Sound of Silence" by Disturbed, "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Rogers and Hammerstein, and "Angels" by Sarah McLachlan. She loves the 23rd Psalms, along with 100, 46, 27, and 39.

As a final note, she was born Mary Quinn Coulter but is commonly known by several aliases, most notably as MQ. Other names she is referred to include Mom, Mary, Maryquinn, EmmyQ, Mary Queen, The Queen, and My Queen (personal).

Her beautiful life meant so much to so many, and she will be greatly missed.

Visitation Monday, September 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., until the time of the funeral at 2:00 p.m. Services will be held at Liberty United Methodist Church, Sunset Campus (1001 Sunset Avenue, Liberty, MO 64068).

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”