Veneranda (Rhonda) Josephine Grace Ruocco (Mapes), 69 of Corning, NY passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after a 7 year battle with cancer.
Rhonda was born in Corning, NY to parents Rose and Carlo Ruocco. Rhonda graduated from Corning East High School in 1974 and later worked as a Teacher’s Aide through Steuben County BOCES with the Special Education Department. Rhonda enjoyed teaching and spent the next 40 years dedicating her career to helping kids with special needs.
Rhonda will be remembered for her strong, fiercely independent personality, her loyalty, and her honesty. Although she did not have many hobbies, she would never turn down an invitation that included a lake or ocean in sight.
She was one of 3 siblings, Carlos (Stormy) Ruocco of Houston, TX and Rosanna (Don) Shaut of Big Flats, NY. Rhonda is survived by her two loving daughters Tara (John) Loupot of Dallas, TX and Karen Mapes of Remsen, NY, grandchildren Taylor Loupot and Bricen Anken. Rhonda’s family is very appreciative of the added support from the Dignen Family, Tina Yelle/Hospice and Palliative Care Team in New Hartford, Highland Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care Team in Rochester and the amazing care that was provided towards her end-of-life journey at the Advent House in Fairport, NY.
The Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home is honored to assist Rhonda’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences or remembrances of Rhonda are welcome at https://keenanfuneralhomes.com/ Per Rhonda’s wishes there will be no formal calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Advent House, a non-profit comfort care home that provides an alternative living arrangement for the terminally ill. The Advent House (bing.com). The family expresses significant gratitude and appreciation for the amazing care that was given to Rhonda by the volunteers and the medical professionals with her caring hospice team through this difficult transition while maintaining such a high level of dignity and respect.
Comments
3 responses to “Mapes, Veneranda”
Mama Rhonda, you were a strong woman and I’m so glad you made an impact in my life. I’m so glad you made Karen… she’s the best 💙 you’ll be remembered.
gonna miss you, “Giggi”
God bless, see you soon
maynie, asher, and bricen
I am going to miss you so much Rhonda! I loved getting to know you when you worked in Caitlin’s classroom and our inside joke about going dancing while doing the ASL sign for dancing is my favorite memory of us.