NATURAL BRIDGE, NY – Rita C. Keenan, 91, formerly of Main Street, died Friday morning, May 4, at the Carthage Center Nursing Home where she had been a resident for a short time.
Born July 20, 1926, in Natural Bridge, the daughter of Harry and Grace McIntyre Simser; she was a graduate of the Carthage Augustinian Academy.
She married Elmer A. “Ozzie” Keenan, a World War II veteran, on May 7, 1948, which was later solemnized at St. James Catholic Church, Carthage in 1973. Together, they owned and operated Keenan’s Grocery in Natural Bridge for 40 years. Ozzie passed away arch 10, 2004.
She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society of the former St. Henry’s Church in Natural Bridge, a member of the Ave Maria Circle at St. James Church, Carthage, a former member of the Natural Bridge Fire Department Auxiliary, the Carthage Area Hospital Auxiliary and the Natural Bridge Civic Organization.
Surviving are a daughter and her husband, Mary Catherine and Christopher V. Cain, Watertown; three grandchildren, Lisa Pastor, North Carolina, Leslie Burnash, Maryland and David Cain, Maryland; five great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jean Simser.
She was predeceased by her husband and her son David and daughter Karen Joanne who died as infants, as well as her siblings, Lyle, Paul, Gilda, George and Robert.
A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, at St. James Catholic Church, Carthage, with the Rev. Donald Robinson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Carthage. Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 7, at Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc, 500 State St., Carthage.
Memorial donations may be made to the Carthage Augustinian Academy or the St. James Church, 327 West St., Carthage, NY 13619.
Online condolences may be made at www.lundyfuneralhome.com