Rosina "Rose" R. Kenitz

Mrs. Rosina R. Kenitz (née Ruffolo), M.Ed.
May 1, 1933 – 2026

"Zia Rosina to Many, Friend of All."

Rosina R. Kenitz, beloved educator, devoted wife, cherished aunt, and loyal friend, passed away in 2026 at the age of 93.

Born Rosina Cristina Ruffolo on May 1, 1933, in Marano Principato, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, to Assunta Magliocchi and Emilio Ruffolo, she immigrated to the United States with mother and brothers aboard the S.S. Rex in 1936, beginning a life defined by learning, service, and generosity.

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Rosina developed an eye for beautiful decorating and a lifelong love of cooking under the guidance of her mother. Over the years, she became famous among family and friends for her remarkable collection of more than 1,000 bean recipes, affectionately earning the title of "The Bean Queen."

Rosina was a lifelong learner and proud product of the Chicago Public Schools, attending Lawson Elementary School and graduating from Austin High School. She treasured her school experiences and often reflected on what she had learned, encouraging others to value education and meaningful human connection.

As the daughter of Italian immigrants and a non-native English speaker, Rosina's academic achievements were especially remarkable. She attended Northwestern University, where she became a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and earned her Bachelor of Education and teaching certification. She later returned to Northwestern to complete her Master of Education degree.

In June 1959, Rosina married the love of her life, a Galantuomo named William Dean Kenitz from Montello, Wisconsin. Bill and Rosina enjoyed a blissful marriage that lasted 45 years until his death due to a service-connected illness. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing them, quickly realized that theirs was a special bond, characterized by deep care and timeless love for each other. Like many great couples, they enjoyed teasing one another, which earned a mischievous Rosina the nickname “Loki” from her soulmate, Bill.

Rosina dedicated her professional life to teaching. After beginning her career in suburban elementary schools, she found her professional home at Roosevelt Elementary School in River Forest, where she taught students with learning disabilities for 33 years.  Through her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child's potential, she positively influenced the lives of thousands of students and their families over 37 years of educational service.

Outside the classroom, Rosina embraced life with enthusiasm. From her thirties through her sixties, she was a nationally ranked mixed doubles tennis player and organized tennis tournaments across the country. Later in life, she became an accomplished bridge player, delighting in spirited competition and proudly defeating an entire field of tournament players during a 2018 Holland America cruise.

Rosina's greatest gift was the way she brought people together. She maintained lifelong friendships, welcomed everyone with warmth, and made family gatherings memorable through her hospitality, wit, and boundless generosity. She truly lived up to the phrase that best described her: "Aunt to Many, Friend of All."

Rosina is survived by her nieces and nephews: Matthew
(Lakshmi) Davis, John (Kim) Davis, and Sarah Davis; Susan, Daria, Robert, Rhonda, and
Christopher (Dina) Ruffolo; her grandnieces and
grandnephews: Seetha (Chad) Davis, Krishna Davis, Josephine Halporn, and Eva Halporn; Peter
Robert, Christine Elaine, Isabella, and Fulvia Rose (Luigi)
Ruffolo; her great-grandniece and great-grandnephew,
Maddalena and Salvatore Vittone; many beloved cousins;
and countless treasured friends.

Our family extends special thanks to her cherished condominium neighbors and dear friends, Maryellen, Joyce, and Olga, whose companionship, kindness, and love enriched Rosina's life for many years.  Rosina had an extensive network of friends from Scully, Higgins, and Steinbach Families. We are also grateful to all those who provided compassionate support for Rosina's health in so many ways.

Rosina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Dean Kenitz; her parents, Emilio and Assunta Ruffolo; her brothers, Peter and Fiore Ruffolo; her nephew, Emilio James Ruffolo; and her parents-in-law, Curtis Kenitz and Ann Mason Kenitz.

Zia Rosina leaves behind a legacy of education, compassion, laughter, friendship, and family. Her influence lives on through the thousands of students she taught, the family she loved, and the many lives she touched with her kindness and joyful spirit.

Family and Friends are to gather for the Memorial Visitation on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated promptly at 10:30 a.m. Luncheon and celebration of Rosina’s life will follow at noon at Cucina Paradiso, 814 North Boulevard, Oak Park. Inurnment will remain private. For additional information, please call (708) 449-5300. Please share a remembrance or condolence on Rosina’s tribute wall/guestbook found on the above tab.

Please omit flowers.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Rosina’s name to Misericordia https://www.misericordia.com/pages/giving would be greatly appreciated.