Rita O'Neill King

Colonie – Rita O'Neill King, 71, entered into eternal life on Thursday, February 12, 2015 after passing away peacefully at Albany Medical Center with her daughter Kathleen by her side. Born in Schenectady, she is the daughter of the late Walter and Edith Shinskie.

Rita was a graduate of Linton High School and later obtained her certification as an X-ray Technician from Albany Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology. She worked briefly for Albany Medical Center before beginning her almost 30-year career at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady, from where she retired in 1993.

Rita will be remembered as a devoted mother and sister and a kind and giving person who loved spending time with her family and friends.

As a young girl she enjoyed horseback riding and spending time picking corn and berries on her Uncle's farm. She especially enjoyed celebrating the Christmas holiday and entertaining her friends and family on Christmas Eve. She loved to travel to Maine to experience the peacefulness of the ocean. She was an avid gardener and had several other hobbies including needlework, crocheting, photography, reading and cards. She was an excellent cook.

While a resident of the Beltrone Living Center, she volunteered for Colonie Seniors Services Center, was a member of the Red Hat Society and served as a floor representative for nine years. She is remembered there as a friendly person who played every card game in the building while she was able to and beautifully decorated the north end of her floor for every holiday.

She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady before moving to Colonie and joining Christ Our Light Church.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lester King in 2013.

Rita is survived by her daughter from her first marriage, Kathleen (Mario Sposito) O'Neill Sposito and her brother, Clifford (Jo Ann) Shinskie. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, a stepson and many cousins and dear friends.

Those wishing to remember Rita in a special way may make memorial contributions in her name to, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, 15 3rd St. Troy, NY 12180.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Rita on Wednesday, February 18th at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 17th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at New Comer Funeral Home.