Obituary of Rita L. Keenan
Rita L. Keenan, age 79, most recently of Ossining, NY, passed away on November 19, 2022. She had been in ill health for the past few years. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, NY.
Rita grew up on a dairy farm in North Lawrence, NY. She graduated from St. Lawrence Central School in 1961, from Plattsburgh State University in 1967 with a degree in elementary education, and her Master of Science and Education in 1971 from the University of the State of New York at Potsdam. Most of her teaching career took place on military bases abroad. She began in Iceland, then moved to Okinawa and finally ended her teaching for the military in Germany.
Though away most of the year, she would return to North Lawrence in the summer. She loved spending time with her parents, siblings, and most especially her seventeen nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Hubert and Helen, her brother Michael, brother-in-law William Demo of Brasher Falls, NY., and niece Elizabeth Demo, of Brasher Falls, NY,. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Demo of Brasher Falls, NY., brother Robert Keenan and wife Annette of Ford City, PA., and sisters Mary Clare Fitzgerald and husband Paul of Westwood, MA., and Jo Ann Cheney of Ossining, NY. Also survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley of Galway, NY and Barry Cheney of Warwick, NY.
After retirement, Rita moved back home. She was an active member of the Lions Club, and St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence where she also served as the Cemetery Coordinator for several years.
Rita truly enjoyed caring for others as she was a very loving and generous daughter, aunt, sister, and friend.
A funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in July of 2023.
Memorial contributions in Rita’s honor can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US Hwy 11 | PO Box 510 Potsdam, NY 13676.
Words of comfort and memories can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.
