Gada Mae (Rafferty) LaFountaine, 69, of Gasport, NY died on Thursday March 15, 2012 surrounded by her loving family under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Wilkinsburg, PA she was the daughter of the Betty P. (Burns) Rafferty of Niagara Falls, NY and the late Richard Rafferty. On April 26, 2008 she married James C. LaFountaine in Northport, FL.

Gada came to Niagara Falls as a child with her family and attended local schools. She graduated with honors from the former LaSalle Senior High School in 1961. She was employed at AT & T, formerly known as New York Telephone and Nynex in Niagara Falls, NY as a field office manager and retired in 1994 after twenty eight years of service. Gada was a member of the Verizon Pioneers. Affectionately known to her family as "Nano," she enjoyed flower gardening and collecting antiques while sipping on her hot Salada tea. But most important to Gada was her family whom she loved very much, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Gada is survived by four children Julie A. (Allen V. Jr.) Benton, Daniel F. (Diana M.) Tweed both of Niagara Falls, NY; Kevin L. (Laurel) Bierley of Atlanta, GA and Kimberly M. Carey of Niagara Falls, NY; twelve grandchildren Colin and Drew Benton; Erin, Megan, Sarah, Daniel and Ian Tweed; Chloe Bierley, Colleen (Scott) Stenzel, Chanel (Ranesh) Krishnan, Carmel Carey (Chris Richter) and Katie Ramos; four great grandchildren Kameron, Jayden, McKenzie and Kira; one sister Barbara L. (late John) Boos of Niagara Falls, NY; one brother Richard (Debbie) Rafferty of Gasport, NY; her former husband Otis F. Tweed and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was the sister-in-law of Sylvia (William) Robinson, Millicent (Charles) Cromp and Charles (Shirley) LaFountaine.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday March 19th at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev.Robert A. Stolinski, officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. If desired memorial offerings may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo NY 14240-0631.