Rita Kennedy Hill

Rita Kennedy Hill passed away peacefully at her home on April 17th at the age of 88. Rita is preceded in death by her loving husband Bob and beloved daughter Mary Michael. She was a lifelong resident of the Denver area. Rita was a member of Risen Christ Catholic Parish, and was dedicated to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Rita was born on September 12, 1929 to Irish immigrant parents Michael and Mary Kennedy and was the fifth of their nine children. She grew up in North Denver and attended school at Holy Family through 12th grade. It was in school that she met her dearest friend Rita Malloy Elsen and they were a great source of love and support for one another throughout their lives. Rita married Bob in May of 1949. Together they raised their eight children in south Denver. In 1967, they moved to a larger home in University Park that was built in 1899 by William Seward and Alberta Bloom Iliff. It was a home of rich history and heritage, and large enough for a family of 10. Owning this home was one of Rita's greatest joys in life. The Hill's proudly placed their home in the 1987 University Park home tour. Rita became a great advocate for preserving the original buildings in the neighborhood that were too often being torn down to give way to modern, larger architecture. Along with her daughter Mary Michael, they completed the research that paved the way for historic preservation, efforts often intermingled with their exciting Irish geneology endeavors. In 2018, Rita’s home and land named “Ormleigh” by Mrs. Iliff was granted the coveted Historic Landmark designation she worked to achieve with funding and expertise, as well as the energetic dedication of the University Park Community Council and Historic Denver. Rita received her Associates degree from Arapahoe Community College in 1992. She was truly a life long learner and seeker of knowledge. Rita was a voracious reader, worked in literacy programs and owned thousands of books! She loved watching PBS programming, CSPAN for Book Notes, and U.S. Policy. Democracy Now and Rachel Maddow were her sole sources for news. Rita was a volunteer for the Colorado Historical Society for many years. One of her favorite assignments was reenacting the role of a school teacher in period costume to school children visiting the 1800’s classroom at the historical museum. Rita was an avid tennis player and played for over 40 years. She made many great friends while playing this favorite sport. Bob and Rita were fortunate to have spent 15 winters in Sun City, Arizona which allowed her to play tennis year round. While in Arizona, Rita discovered her talent as an artist and loved using watercolors and acrylics to create beautiful paintings. Her favorite subjects were her grandchildren. She became an accomplished sculptor and often depicted the southwest in much of her pottery. Rita was a very generous mother, grandmother, and aunt known for sending birthday cards to all every year, even as far away as Ireland. She had a great love for her Irish nieces, nephews, and their families who faithfully wrote her letters and sent pictures via post as Rita did not use email. She embraced a “non-computerized” lifestyle with gusto and all attempts to convince her otherwise failed. She learned to love all the pictures that could be viewed on phones and tablets, especially of those who lived far away. Rita loved her dear friend Lois Robinson with whom she spoke weekly by phone. Rita is survived by her seven children Christine, Susan, Robin, Rick, Robert, Melissa, and Monica. Her grandchildren Jason, Samantha, Tiffany, Michael, Mark, Brittney, Sara, Addison, Katie, Patrick, Jackson, Alexander, Annie Rose, Chandler, Ginger, and Carenna. Her great-grandchildren Collin, Liam, Grace, Sydney, Riley, Allie, Lucas, Milo, Myah, Kyla Leigh, and Camden. Rita is also survived by her brother Jerry and sister Maureen. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the Denver Hospice care team and the Home Instead caregivers. Thank you for your wonderful and loving service. Our dear Mother and Grandmother was very loved and her presence will be greatly missed. A celebration of Rita's life will begin on Tuesday. May 1 with a Rosary at 7 pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver. Funeral Mass, Wednesday. May 2 at 10 AM at Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 South Monaco Parkway, Denver. Graveside Service, Thursday. May 3 at 10 AM, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""A"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita's memory to the Sisters of Loretto Community of Littleton, 4000 S Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton 80123 or; The Capuchin Poor Clares of Denver, 3325 N Pecos St., Denver 80211. Please share your memories of Rita and condolences with her family in the Guestbook.