Born in the Bronx, New York, Rita Jennings was the loving wife of the late Hal Jennings, to whom she was married for 68 years. Rita Jennings passed away peacefully at age 93 on Feb. 27. She is survived by her brother Frank Cassidy, her sister Helen Cassidy Page, her children, Harvey (Cathy) Jennings, Dennis (Diane) Jennings, Brian (Janet) Jennings and Bill (Christine) Jennings. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Cassidy and brothers, Patsy and Jack Cassidy.
Jennings was a devout Catholic and had performed volunteer work with church associations, school associations and a cancer care facility. She was employed by IBM, where she worked for many years assisting international employees integrate into their new location.
A kind, considerate, generous and compassionate woman, she was always in good cheer, loved her family dearly and was loved by all of them in turn. She cherished her seven grandchildren (Harvey, Robyn, Mark, Erika, Laura, Matt and Michael) and nine great-grandchildren.
Jennings enjoyed sharing time with her family. Family and friends were always welcome at the homes that Rita and husband Hal had in New York, Marco Island, Florida and the ski house at Pico Mountain in Vermont. What started as a vacation ski house in 1969 eventually became the full time residence for both Rita and Hal. Rita remained an avid skier into her 80s. She enjoyed skiing, reading, walking, tennis, traveling and hosting family gatherings and socializing with friends and family on the mountain road.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Saturday, March 16, 12-noon Mass at Our Lady of the Mountains Church. 4173 Route 4, Killington
Monday, March 18, 12:30 p.m. Internment of the Ashes of Harold & Rita. Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.