Lillian (Renzi) McCann

Lillian R. (Renzi) McCann, 96, of Niskayuna, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 16, 2018. Born May 13, 1922 in Schenectady to Louise and Dominic Renzi, Lillian was the youngest of seven children. Sister to Frank “Cheech” (Margaret), Carrie (Joe Campano), Edward (Lena), Nancy (Charlie Capullo), Emma (Stephen DiGiorgio), and Pasquale Renzi.

Lillian was the loving mother to William F. and Karen (Altman) McCann, and the proud grandmother of Kaley and Will, all of Niskayuna. Lillian was predeceased by her husband of 61 years William F. McCann, grandson Ryan, son-in-law Jeffrey Altman, and her son Bill who passed away just two months ago.

Lillian was a member of the Omega Psi Sorority, Beta Chapter and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. Prior to becoming a mother and homemaker, she worked for GE in the City of Schenectady.

Lillian was always thankful for each day and appreciative of extended family and the simple gifts life had to offer. Like the home that Lillian and William carefully and lovingly built together at Maxwell Drive on nights and weekends over the course of six years, they carefully and lovingly built tradition with family and friends. Maxwell Drive was the setting of countless holidays and Thanksgivings hosted by Lillian over the years. Family, friends, and even friends of friends were always welcomed with open arms and warm hearts.

Lillian made her house a wonderful home for her own children, and also helped nurture nieces, nephews, and the children of neighbors and friends. Lillian enjoyed life and people to the fullest and developed many meaningful and lifelong friendships.

Lillian read the newspaper daily, not only to stay current, but also to clip every article and picture of the people she knew to create the scrapbook of a lifetime. One of her favorite pastimes was looking at the photos of people who were special to her. She cherished the photos showing her loved ones together at casual gatherings as well as the ones that captured the important milestones through the years. Lillian truly enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and always looked forward to seeing everyone. In her later years, she thoroughly loved getting together and fondly remembering those people who were special to her, and talking in depth about their special qualities.

Lovingly known as “Aunt Lil” to many, she will be greatly missed by her family which includes four generations of loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, October 22, from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m., at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Union Street, Schenectady immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Memory Gardens.

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