Autumn Marie Raffaele, 23, of Clymer, passed away on August 5, 2025, at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Her strength, grace, and unwavering spirit throughout her illness were a reflection of the remarkable person she was — thoughtful, vibrant, and endlessly selfless.
Born on October 29, 2001, to Clifford Raffaele and Kerrie Woods Raffaele, Autumn brought light and laughter into the lives of everyone she met. Her friends lovingly remember her as witty, warm, and compassionate — someone with eyes that sparkled with kindness and a heart that constantly looked outward, always seeking to lift others up. She had a special gift for making people laugh and feel seen, often putting the needs of others before her own without hesitation.
Autumn was a nursing student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she pursued her passion for medicine with intelligence, determination, and deep empathy. Even in her own medical journey, she was admired by her doctors and nurses for the way she engaged with them not just as a patient, but as a thoughtful and informed peer.
She also worked as a student employee in the Financial Aid Office at IUP and loved her year-round role there, especially helping with summer orientation for new students. In addition, Autumn was a beloved server at Hoss’s Steak and Seahouse in Indiana, where she forged close friendships and looked forward to greeting her regulars each weekend with her trademark smile and warmth.
Autumn’s love for the arts was evident from an early age. In high school, she performed in Penns Manor’s musicals, and more recently, she was honored to assist in directing a production at her alma mater — a full-circle moment that filled her with joy.
She is survived by her loving parents; her siblings, Brianna Woods (fiancé Matthew McKinney) and Nathan Raffaele; her maternal grandparents, David E. and Pauline (Thomas) Woods of Hastings; and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Marcia (Heath) Raffaele of Canonsburg. She is also deeply missed by her Aunt and Godmother, Stephanie Woods; her uncles, David M. Woods, Joseph Raffaele (Megan), and Godfather Matthew Raffaele (Emily); and her cousins — especially her kindred spirit, Emma Grace Raffaele, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond.
Autumn’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the UPMC Magee Gynecologic Oncology Team for their exceptional care, and to the compassionate nursing staff of Unit 5800, whose comfort and kindness meant the world. They are also deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from the community — for the messages, meals, donations, and most of all, for the countless prayers.
If love alone could have kept her here, she would have lived forever.
Family and friends are invited to visit and help celebrate Autumn’s incredible life on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 3 – 7 pm, at the Bowser Minich Funeral Home, 500 Ben Franklin Road S, Indiana, as well as Monday, August 11, 2025, from 10 – 11 am, at Church of the Resurrection, 349 Morris Street, Clymer, with Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow at 11 am, with Father Craig Alexander and Father Michael Thomas concelebrating.
Private interment will be in Saint Bernard Cemetery, Hastings.
To express condolences, share memories or view the online obituary, please visit www.bowserminich.com.
Comments