Anita M. Keenen

Mrs. Anita M. Keenen, 93, of Salamanca, NY died Wednesday evening, August 18, 2021 at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness.

Born November 22, 1927 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Sophia Cook Yazak. She was married on July 21, 1951 in the former Holy Cross Church to Mr. James D. Keenen, who predeceased her in 2005.

She was a 1951 graduate of SUNY Geneseo, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She had been employed as a teacher with the former St. Patrick’s School for 28 years. After her retirement, she substitute-taught with the Salamanca City School System for over 10 years.

She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the former St. Patrick’s Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Beta Sigma Phi. She received the St. Joseph The Worker Award for the Diocese of Buffalo. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her great-granddaughters.

Surviving are: a daughter, Kathleen (Walter) Zeznick, Olean, NY; a son, Timothy (Melissa Metzler) Keenen, Frewsburg, NY; three grandchildren, Kristine (Barrett Trimble) Zeznick, Ramsey, MN, Katie (Kyle) Duggan, Allegany, NY, Kevin (Christine) Zeznick, Sammamish, WA; three great-granddaughters, Mariellen Trimble, Elexa and Keenen Duggan; a brother, Dean “Dan” Yazak, Pensacola, FL; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, H. Edward Yazak, two sisters-in-law, Jeanne Yazak, Victoria Yazak, and her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Juanita Keenen.

Friends may call at the Our Lady of Peace Church, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9:30 – 10AM at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Our Lady of Peace Church or the Salamanca Public Library, 155 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.