Raffaella (Rae) Lucibella Ierardi 93, of Hamden entered into the peacefulness of eternal rest at St. Raphaels on September 23 ^rd , 2021. She was born on January 10, 1928 in New Haven and the daughter of the late Antoinette DeNicola Lucibella and Charles Lucibella. Rae was preceded in death by her husband and inseparable companion of 57 years, William J. Ierardi Jr. and her sister and brother-in-law, Angeline "Billie" Lucibella Carolla and Nicholas Carolla. Rae proudly was the first graduating class (1949) of Grace Hospital. She was Director of Nurses at Hamden Health Care where her witty personality and nurturing ways connected with patients and colleagues to form enduring friendships. She was always caring and concerned about others wellbeing before herself. Rae was proud to be a multi-decade participant in the Women's Health Study, an ongoing study to improve health for women through Brigham/Women's Hospital/Harvard. Rae took pleasure in reading, looking at photos, jewelry and cooking for her family. Rae is survived by a loving family who will cherish her memory; her son William J. Ierardi III and daughter in law Christine Ierardi, her son Stephen (Doreen) Ierardi; her five grandchildren Alicia (Lisa) Ierardi, Jennifer (Kevin) Morrissey, John Ierardi, Nicole (Shane) Pringle, and Stephen Ierardi II. Rae was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Sabrina and Sienna Morrissey, Emma and Connor Pringle; along with many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. At Rae's request, services and interment will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital www.stjude.org