Marilyn "Lynn" Rippert McKenna

Marilyn “Lynn” Rippert McKenna, 86, of Charlotte, NC formerly of Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away August 21, 2016. She was born February 7, 1930 to the late Gomer and Mildred Stewart Rippert. Lynn grew up in Ellenville, NY, graduated from Katherine Gibbs School and moved to Albany where she met the love of her life, Jack McKenna. They were married and had 4 children. Jack passed away after 15 short years of marriage and Lynn devoted her life to raising her children. She also cared for her parents and sister in their later years. In spite of the many challenges she always provided a fun and very loving home for all of her family. She worked as an administrative assistant for WGY, Shenendehowa Schools, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College and as office manager at her most recent job in Saratoga County.

Lynn was a devoted wife, daughter, mother and sister throughout her life and was a woman of great strength who selflessly cared for her family. She had an intense commitment to ensuring that her family was always provided for at the sacrifice of her own wants. She had a whip-smart sense of humor and quick wit, and an innate ability to move forward and thrive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Lynn was Mimi to her grandchildren, great grandchildren and even their friends. They would often describe her as awesome, amazing, classy and sassy. She loved to bring laughter to all of those around her. There was nothing Lynn wouldn’t do for her family and friends. That unconditional love and compassion will be her legacy.

Along with her husband and parents, Lynn was preceded in death by her son, Michael McKenna and sister, Jean “Cookie” Rippert.

Lynn is survived by her loving family; daughters, Kathy McNally and her husband Matthew and Susan Craig and her husband William; son, John “Jay” McKenna; grandchildren, Sean McKenna, Ora McKenna, Ryan (Kristin) McNally, Kristin McNally, Lauren (Kristen) Craig, Kailyn McNally, Jennifer Craig, Katherine Craig and her beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 26, 2016 from 4-6 pm at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC. A funeral service will follow at 6 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. In addition, there will be a visitation on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 11-1pm at the New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY, with a funeral service following at 1pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Schenectady, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, The ASPCA  (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), or the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.