Rita Sylvia Kanaley (McCarthy)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Rita Sylvia Kanaley (McCarthy) on October 5th, 2024. Rita was born on August 13th, 1950, in Southampton, England. She was the Queen of Kindness, Seller of Treasures and had the Gift of Gab. Rita loved chatting and laughing with everyone. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Kanaley; children, Stacy Kanaley, Aaron Kanaley and Sara (Laurence) Kanaley-Carty; special family friend, Justin Pacheck; granddaughters, Isabella Pacheck and Bria Carty; brother, Richard (Sue) Loson; cousin, Sandy (Rich) Withers; special family friends, Kathy Smith and Tom Montesano; family both in England and Ireland; her Country Junktion family; many nieces and nephews; and so many people that she touched. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nora Loson; father, James McCarthy; step-father, Norman Loson; and aunt, Muriel Scott. Rita was born in Southampton, England and came to America when she was 9 years old. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many people. Rita loved to give and give; she had a gentle heart. She was a beacon of kindness, a friend to everyone, and an amazing soul who touched the lives of all that she met. Her wonderful spirit and positive outlook on life were contagious, and she had a unique way of bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She had a knack for making people smile and becoming instant friends. Rita had the biggest heart and made it her mission to bring everyone surprise gifts. She loved spending time with her granddaughters, Bria and Izzy. Her favorite things were primitive antiques, driving her son nuts, and making friends with everyone she met. Rita owned her business Country Junktion, for many years, both in Caledonia and in Churchville. This was her happy place, and she made lifelong friends who would come in just to chat with this amazing woman. Lovingly called “Cheeser or the Big Cheese” by her family and friends, she was like the mayor, and she made sure she knew everyone by name. This is a great loss for the people who knew her and a devastating loss to her family. She was a real-life angel, and all were lucky to have known her. Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, 2771 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Interment will be held at Creekside Cemetery at 1:30pm in Churchville, NY following the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, in honor of Rita Kanaley.

Rita Sylvia Kanaley (McCarthy)

August 13, 1950 - October 5, 2024