Carmella Zenti

Carmella Kenneally Zenti, 81, passed away at home on Sunday, July 7, surrounded by her family. She bravely fought pancreatic and liver cancer for eleven months. Her children would like to thank Dr. Tom Buroker and his team for all their love and compassion.

She was born on September 22, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to Joseph L. and Sarah Sarcone Kenneally. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1960 and entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in Dubuque, Iowa, and remained in the order until 1967. She received her degree in education from both Clarke and Mundelein Universities. Carmella taught elementary school in the Cicero and Berwyn areas of Chicago as well as at St. Joseph and Christ the King schools in Des Moines. She also worked as a deputy in the Polk County Recorders office with Tim Brien for 16 years.

Carmella grew up on the south side of Des Moines, remaining a parishioner at St. Anthony Catholic Church for her entire life. She loved her faith and served her parish in various capacities over the years. Carmella was a catechist and member of the RCIA team and Home and School. She was also a 20-year member of St. Ann’s Mothers Club. Carmella took pride in creating a beautiful home and was a great cook. She loved flowers and yard work. Her role as wife and mother knew no bounds. She loved her friends and family and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. She was a devoted wife for 45 years to her husband, Tino. Together, they traveled around the country and enjoyed going to the horse races. She loved Italy and made many trips to see family and friends. A particularly memorable trip was to Rome with her daughter and sister, where they visited Assisi and Pompeii.

She is preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Tino. She is survived by her son Christian, daughter Sarah, sister Mary Ann Kenneally McCoy (Bill), brother Joseph L. Kenneally (Joan), sister-in-law Angie Zenti, and brothers-in-law Benjamin (Vonnie), and Louis (CeCe) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins (Zenti, McCoy, Kenneally, and Sarcone).

Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to either St. Anthony Catholic Church or the Sisters of Charity BVM in Dubuque, Iowa.


Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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