TUCSON, AZ — Rita Fishel Kennedy died peacefully at her home in Tucson, Arizona on August 6, 2020 after a 4-year, hard-fought battle with cancer. Rita was born October 13, 1949 in Rockville Centre, New York, a daughter of Leo and Anne Fishel. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1967, earned a bachelor degree from St. Lawrence University in 1971 and a Master of Education from SUNY Albany in 1973. She married Gregory F. Kennedy in 1971 after they both graduated from St. Lawrence University. Over the course of the next 50 years Greg and Rita made their home in Glens Falls, NY; Killington, VT; Hartland, VT; Quechee, VT; West Hartford, VT; and finally Tucson, Arizona. Rita was a dedicated educator, teaching for 33 years in the Hartford School District where she taught reading. She cared deeply for her students and colleagues and was passionate about making education better through her work as a consultant for the Vermont Department of Education. Rita was an avid participant in her community: she founded and ran the breakfast program at Dothan Brook Elementary School and she was on the board of trustees for the Hartford Dismas House. She loved being outdoors whether hiking, gardening, or swimming in Lake George (NY). She became a competitive golfer over the years and was often found on the Quechee Club golf course. There, she served on the Green Committee and has earned the title of Club Champion on several occasions. Rita was known for her wit, sense of humor, generosity, and her gift for speaking what was on her mind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Gregory and daughters Caitlin Carney and husband Chris Carney of Newburyport, MA and Margaret Kennedy of Wayne, PA. She is also survived by siblings Mary Bijur of New York, NY; Leo Fishel of Chevy Chase, MD; Rosemary Fishel of New York, NY; Fred Fishel of Jackson Heights, NY, Sarah Fishel of Coastesville, PA and Andrew Fishel of Boonton, NJ and her five grandsons who brought her so much joy: Christopher, Cooper, Carson, Brady and Sean.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date and will be held in Vermont once the safety of family and friends can be guaranteed. In lieu of flowers monetary contributions in her name can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Hartford Dismas House.