In Memory Of
Rita M. Rawlings
1923
2022
Rita M. Rawlings
January 24, 1923 — July 15, 2022
Cohoes- Rita M. Rawlings, 99, entered eternal life on Friday, July 15, 2022 at The Eddy Village Green.
Rita was born in Rochester, New York on January 24, 1923 to the late Theresa and Albert Foos. She attended Good Counsel School and Nazareth Academy, graduating in 1941, before beginning her employment with Eastman Kodak in both Rochester and California.
It was in California that Rita became reacquainted with John W. Nellis, also of Rochester. The two married on December 26, 1953. After three years at the Big Sur Ranger Station in California, the couple relocated to Chelsea, Vermont, where they established their family of three children. In 1962, the family moved to Falconer, New York, then five years later to Latham, New York, where they lived happily together until his passing.
In 1985, Rita married Walter E. Rawlings of Latham. They remained happily married until his passing in 2017. They spent their years together taking day trips, attending concerts, trying new food, and so much more.
Rita was devoted to her family and loved her role as a wife and mother. She was a devout Catholic and her faith guided her throughout her lifetime. Rita took great pride in family activities, such as camping, gardening, baking, restoring antiques, creating beautiful quilts, and sewing for the family. She was gracious, kind hearted, and loved to laugh. She loved animals, providing care to many pets over the years. Rita will always be remembered for her abounding love for her family, the newborns she fostered, and everyone she met.
Her compassion for others led Rita to donate her body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.
She leaves behind her loving children, Kenneth (Sheila) Nellis of Latham, Virginia (Anne) Nellis of Guilford, VT, and Janet (Douglas) Clayton of Clifton Park. She was the beloved grandmother to Bruce, Rebekah, Sarah, Anne, and Brian. In addition, she also leaves behind several great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Rita is predeceased by her brothers, John J. Foos and Albert H. Foos.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Eddy Village Green in Cohoes for their care, compassion, and support over the years.
Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Friday July 22, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday July 23, 2022 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110 at 9am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rita's name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204.
Rita was born in Rochester, New York on January 24, 1923 to the late Theresa and Albert Foos. She attended Good Counsel School and Nazareth Academy, graduating in 1941, before beginning her employment with Eastman Kodak in both Rochester and California.
It was in California that Rita became reacquainted with John W. Nellis, also of Rochester. The two married on December 26, 1953. After three years at the Big Sur Ranger Station in California, the couple relocated to Chelsea, Vermont, where they established their family of three children. In 1962, the family moved to Falconer, New York, then five years later to Latham, New York, where they lived happily together until his passing.
In 1985, Rita married Walter E. Rawlings of Latham. They remained happily married until his passing in 2017. They spent their years together taking day trips, attending concerts, trying new food, and so much more.
Rita was devoted to her family and loved her role as a wife and mother. She was a devout Catholic and her faith guided her throughout her lifetime. Rita took great pride in family activities, such as camping, gardening, baking, restoring antiques, creating beautiful quilts, and sewing for the family. She was gracious, kind hearted, and loved to laugh. She loved animals, providing care to many pets over the years. Rita will always be remembered for her abounding love for her family, the newborns she fostered, and everyone she met.
Her compassion for others led Rita to donate her body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical College.
She leaves behind her loving children, Kenneth (Sheila) Nellis of Latham, Virginia (Anne) Nellis of Guilford, VT, and Janet (Douglas) Clayton of Clifton Park. She was the beloved grandmother to Bruce, Rebekah, Sarah, Anne, and Brian. In addition, she also leaves behind several great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Rita is predeceased by her brothers, John J. Foos and Albert H. Foos.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Eddy Village Green in Cohoes for their care, compassion, and support over the years.
Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Friday July 22, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday July 23, 2022 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110 at 9am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rita's name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita M. Rawlings, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, July 22, 2022
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
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