Obituary of Rennie R. Weckesser

Rennie, who loved life and her family, departed this earthly life January 3, 2024, at the age of 93. 

Rennie Florence Ryan was born in Niagara Falls, New York on February 13, 1930, to Scholastica (Sally) and Arthur (Archie) Ryan.

Rennie lived on Sixth Street in Niagara Falls most of her young adult life, graduating from Niagara Falls High School and then Niagara University in 1953.

Rennie’s passions and talents in her early years varied including ballet, piano, and her beloved dog Mickey. She was a featured dancer for the Buffalo Ballet Company.

After graduating from college Rennie taught elementary school, teaching children was one of her passions that continued throughout her life. She began her teaching career at the 99^th Street School located in the infamous “Love Canal”.

While attending Niagara University she met her future husband, William (Bill) Raymond Weckesser, married on July 19, 1958, until his death in 1981.

Rennie and Bill moved to Penfield, New York and raised their five children, starting in their first home on Parkwood Lane and moving to her beloved home on Five Mile Line Road. Rennie was active in Rotary-Anns, HIHO-Happiness is Helping Others, Book Clubs, and continued her education through the Oasis Program. She will be remembered for her generosity and thoughtful handmade gifts.

Later in her life she returned to teaching at St. Philip Neri Catholic School and then 17^th Street School for the City of Rochester, which she retired from in 2002. Her passion for education was evident by her teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) in the “melting pot” neighborhood of School No. 17. 

Her long list of hobbies included china painting, quilting, reading and book club.  She was most proud of her long-lasting friendships, some that began as early as elementary and high school years.  

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Yoakum (William/Bud), son, William Joseph Weckesser, son, Kevin Arthur Weckesser (Mary), daughter, Rennie Ryan Weckesser. 

She was the loving grandmother to Whitney Hudak, Natalie Weckesser, and Eileen Weckesser. Whitney, Natalie, and Eileen were especially bright lights in Rennie’s life and she took great interest in their many endeavors, activities, and pursuits. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, her brother, Dr. Archie Ryan,husband, William Raymond Weckesser and son, James Weckesser.

Arrangements have been made through Jennings, Nulton, and Mattle Funeral Home, with Calling Hours on Tuesday, January 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. and a Funeral Mass St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 43 Gebhardt Road, Penfield, NY, on Wednesday, January 10, at noon.  Her burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery following the mass.  Reception to follow at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to can be made in Rennie’s name to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the Arc Foundation Monroe at arcmonroe.org/donate.