With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Althea Desmond, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who departed this world on September 4, 2024, at the age of 87. Althea was born on October 6, 1936, in Clyde, NY, and lived a life rich with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and faith.
Predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, John, Althea (“Lee”) is survived by their children Karen Desmond, Mike (Sue) Desmond, Steve Desmond (Debra Stokoe), and Sheila (Mark) Kingston. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Nicholas DiSanto, Gerry Kemp, and Eugene DiSanto. Her sister Carol Smith and brother-in-law Ron survive her as do many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as her cat, Buddy.
Althea leaves behind a legacy of love through both her children and her grandchildren Conor Desmond and Erin, Matt, and Owen Kingston, who knew her affectionately as “Nana” and have many happy memories of gardening, baking, playing board games, reading books, and playing outside with Nana.
Known for her warm heart and nurturing spirit, Althea was a woman of many talents. She was a wonderful cook and baker, always eager to feed family and friends. Althea was also a talented seamstress, sharing her skills with her daughters and granddaughter. An avid gardener, Althea found joy tending to her flowers and vegetables. Her artistic flair extended to painting ceramics, where she expressed her creativity and left behind beautiful pieces for her loved ones to cherish. As a sister of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Althea fostered lifelong friendships.
Althea’s passion for life, her unwavering commitment to her loved ones, and her many talents will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and nurturing will continue to influence all who knew her.
Calling Hours will be held on September 11, 2024, from 4-6 pm at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd., Fairport. A Funeral Service to celebrate Althea’s life will take place on September 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Althea’s memory to Lollypop Farm or The Advent House in Fairport, NY.
Althea will be forever loved and deeply missed. May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved John and family members who went before her.
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