Obituary for Rita M. Kennelly
Rita M. Kennelly (Englert)
Passed away peacefully but not willingly, January 3, 2021 at the age of 96. Predeceased by her husband of 73 years, John F. “Jack” Kennelly, her parents Mary and Charles, and her brothers Ernie & Chuck. Survived by her children, Karen (Tim) Bancroft, Tom (Mary Cay), Dennis (Teresa); grandchildren Sheila, Lisa, Bryan, Jake, Erin, Josh, Sean, Ryan and Margaret; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brothers-in-law Daniel (Miriam) and Wally Kennelly; several nieces and nephews.
Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and beloved aunt. She was valedictorian of her high school class of 1941, at St Joseph’s. She often told stories about fishing with her parents on Canandaigua Lake, her father’s Bait Shop on Clifford Avenue, or fun shenanigans with their life-long “Gang” – the Staubs, Barkers and Zinks. She and Jack enjoyed many adventures together, both near and far, and they were a great team on the dance floor and at the card table -- nearly impossible to beat. Some say Rita was the real brains of the operation. She was always graceful, had a keen sense of humor (she initiated the now-infamous “family fake fruit” prank,) and delighted in even off-color jokes. Her giggle was contagious and no one was spared from her natural sweetness and occasional sharp tongue. She loved having the family around her, and will be remembered continuously and missed always.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the 3rd Floor Staff and Caregivers at St. Ann’s Home for their care and affection above and beyond the call of duty.
Due to the pandemic services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the STAR Program at St. Ann’s Community or a charity of your choice. To send a condolence please visit: www.giltnerfuneralhomes.com.
Passed away peacefully but not willingly, January 3, 2021 at the age of 96. Predeceased by her husband of 73 years, John F. “Jack” Kennelly, her parents Mary and Charles, and her brothers Ernie & Chuck. Survived by her children, Karen (Tim) Bancroft, Tom (Mary Cay), Dennis (Teresa); grandchildren Sheila, Lisa, Bryan, Jake, Erin, Josh, Sean, Ryan and Margaret; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brothers-in-law Daniel (Miriam) and Wally Kennelly; several nieces and nephews.
Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and beloved aunt. She was valedictorian of her high school class of 1941, at St Joseph’s. She often told stories about fishing with her parents on Canandaigua Lake, her father’s Bait Shop on Clifford Avenue, or fun shenanigans with their life-long “Gang” – the Staubs, Barkers and Zinks. She and Jack enjoyed many adventures together, both near and far, and they were a great team on the dance floor and at the card table -- nearly impossible to beat. Some say Rita was the real brains of the operation. She was always graceful, had a keen sense of humor (she initiated the now-infamous “family fake fruit” prank,) and delighted in even off-color jokes. Her giggle was contagious and no one was spared from her natural sweetness and occasional sharp tongue. She loved having the family around her, and will be remembered continuously and missed always.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the 3rd Floor Staff and Caregivers at St. Ann’s Home for their care and affection above and beyond the call of duty.
Due to the pandemic services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the STAR Program at St. Ann’s Community or a charity of your choice. To send a condolence please visit: www.giltnerfuneralhomes.com.