Shelley Rafilson

Shelley Rafilson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Sinai Mortuary of AZ on Mar. 16, 2026.Shelley Anne RafilsonMay 28, 1955-February 28, 2026Shelley Rafilson, 70, was born in Chicago, moved to Phoenix in the early '70s and earned a B.S in Journalism from Arizona State University. She worked as a legal secretary for many years and then as a customer service representative. A former volunteer at the Starlight Children's Foundation and Golden Rescue of Arizona, she authored 100 Pounds to Happiness! - How a Disabled Woman in Her 50's Lost Over 100 Pounds on Her Own that was published on Amazon Kindle and appeared in several national magazines. She was a passionate singer and won four gold medals at the World Championship of Performing Arts in country/religious/Broadway and R&B/contemporary music.Shelley's mission in life and the legacy she leaves behind are in the untold number of stray animals that she rescued, including a wandering pot-bellied pig. She raised thousands of dollars to save the lives of her personal rescue cats who suffered from cancer, diabetes and blindness. It would be a mitzvah to honor her memory by contributing to Dr. Kelly's Surgical Unit in Peoria for the cancer care of the dog of her nephew, Steven Black: https://www.drkellysvet.com/donate/Shelley is survived by her sister, Wendy Rafilson Black (Ronald), and her nephew and godson, Steven Black; and was preceded in death by brothers Bruce Rafilson and George Maney; and parents Ned Rafilson and Joyce Schwartz Rafilson.A private memorial service was held on March 12, 2026.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.