Josephine Rooney

RENSSELAER – Josephine F. Rooney, 99, died Friday, March 29, 2019 at Van Rensselaer Manor. She had previously resided at Bloomingrove Senior Housing in Troy. Born in Albany on September 22, 1919, she was the wife of the late Joseph J. Rooney, Jr., and the daughter of the late Harry and Helen (Maloney) Wicks. Josephine worked for the NYS Dept. of Health for many years. She loved the Yankees, particularly Brian Roberts and Derrick Jeter. Jo enjoyed crafts of all kinds but her favorite was needlework. She always had a great time at Christmas baking her famous pumpkin bread and sharing it with everyone in her family. For may years she played volleyball at family picnics and always beat the “young kids”. Jo also loved playing darts, bingo and enjoyed watching Jeopardy and other game shows. And, as anyone would tell you, she an avid baker. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Teresa (James) Walls; her grandchildren, Dawn E. Rooney, Georgette Rooney-Merritt, Michelle Rooney-Rost and Michael, Jr, Robert Sr, Elizabeth, Brandi Jo, Billie Jo and Jessica Rooney. Jo is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons, Harry J., Michael J. Sr., (Carol) and Gerald A. (Betty) Rooney; her sisters, Helen Hulsopple, Eileen Whitmore and Marie Gray. Jo’s family would like to thank the staff of Van Rensselaer Manor, B3 for the care and comfort they provided. Funeral from the W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 9:00am and 10:00am at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick St. in Rensselaer, where the liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 7pm.