Rita A. Kennelly, 51, 'An Amazing Wife And Friend,' Died Wednesday

OAKLAND, NJ — Rita Kennelly, 51, died in her home Wednesday.

She grew up in Englewood and earned a bachelor's degree from Montclair State College, her obituary states. She later earned a master's degree in art therapy.

She was an art therapist and shared her love and selfless compassion through the arts by helping people in need, including substance abusers, orphans and Alzheimer's disease patients.

Her "greatest love and passion was her beautiful family. She led by example and instilled in her kids the values of humility, empathy, dignity, integrity, grace, strength, resilience and so many other wonderful qualities that will sustain and carry them throughout their lives," the obituary states. "She was a wonderful wife who loved and supported her husband with whom she shared her most cherished principles, values, and beliefs. Her love and support of her extended families and friends was equally strong and selfless as she was admired by many for the way she lived her life."

She is survived by her husband, Steve; children Ryan, Lia and Mary; brothers Dan O'Connor, and his wife Ellen, Ian O'Connor and her wife Tracey; sisters Mary Stout, and her husband Doug, Eileen Haftek, and her husband Gary; in-laws and 17 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m.

A funeral Tuesday will depart from Oakland Memorial Home at 10:30 a.m.; a funeral Liturgy will be at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Pompton Lakes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Art Therapy Without Borders Inc., c/o Don Cutcher, 144 Garston Court, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.

Arrangements: Oakland Memorial Home, Oakland