Linda Raffa

Linda Raffa (Bjorkander) of Harrisburg, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by her family, following her courageous battle with cancer. She was 82 years young.

Linda was born on March 31, 1944, in Queens, New York. She is the daughter of the late John Oscar Bjorkander and Helen Marie Bjorkander. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patsy Joseph Raffa, Jr. (Pat), originally of Dobbs Ferry, New York.

A beautiful soul, Linda touched so many lives with her kindness, grace, strength, and unwavering spirit. She is most remembered for her friendly smile and infectious laugh. A true social butterfly, she loved bringing people together, whether over a cocktail hour with a glass of Pinot Grigio, a boat trip, a motorcycle ride, an afternoon with friends, or time with the family she adored, especially her four wonderful grandchildren: Ally, Kristen, Isabella, and Sebastian.

Linda grew up in Irvington, New York then made her home in Haverstraw, New York for nearly 50 years. There, she and her husband raised their family and owned the well-established Pat Raffa Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. She was an active member of the community, including the Haverstraw Elks, the Minisceongo Yacht Club in Stony Point, and the Thiells United Methodist Church. A devoted Harley rider, she was also a longtime member and former director of the Hudson Valley Harley Riders.

In 2016, Linda moved to Harrisburg, North Carolina, to be closer to her daughter, Carolyn and family, and she enjoyed a very full life. Shortly after arriving, she began working at the front desk of the Harrisburg YMCA, welcoming members with her warm smile. She loved her Y Family. She enjoyed good times with her neighborhood HTC Ladies as well. Linda’s passion for adventure continued when she found her Speedway HOG family where she served on the Board and bringing people together as ride captain. She also became a NASCAR fan, attending several races at Charlotte Motor Speedway and cheering on her favorite driver, Chase Elliott and the #9 team.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Hillegass, and her husband, Bob, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; her son, Gary Raffa, and his wife, Roxy, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; her four cherished grandchildren; and the many friends and family she loved so deeply.

 The family will receive friends and family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home in Harrisburg, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Rockland County for her New York area family and friends at a later date.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg, North Carolina is serving the Raffa family. Memories and condolences can be shared with Linda’s family at www.hartsellfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be dedicated in her memory to the Harrisburg YMCA, Harrisburg, North Carolina: Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA Harrisburg NC Branch Donations may also be mailed to: Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA-Harrisburg Branch, 215 Guffy St. Salisbury, NC 28147.