Obituary of Cora L. McKenzie

Cora L. McKenzie, a resident of the Town of Poughkeepsie, entered into rest Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Mid Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie. She was 75.

Daughter of the late Orlando and Annette Robinson Roundtree, she was born November 9, 1948 in East Meadow, New York. She married Vidal O. “Dusty” McKenzie on March 22, 1986 in Poughkeepsie. Mr. McKenzie preceded her in death on March 15, 2010.

Prior to her retirement, Cora worked as a nursing assistant at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. She was a member of Bethel Church of God in Christ in Poughkeepsie. Cora enjoyed crossword puzzles and knitting. She loved to get together with family especially at barbeques and treasured the time spent with her grandchildren.

Left to fondly recall her memory include her children, Alicia Walker and her husband, William of the Town of Poughkeepsie, Stephen E. Boone, Jr. of Poughkeepsie, Eric Boone of Florida and Antoinette McKenzie of Poughkeepsie; her brothers, Ned Roundtree and his wife, Stephanie of California, Obie Roundtree and his wife, Pam of Wisconsin, Archie Roundtree and his wife, Phyllis of California, Michael Roundtree and his wife, Marites of Florida and Jerome Roundtree of Nevada; her sisters, Linda Braxton and her husband, Darren of Poughkeepsie, Margaret Bennermon and her husband, Donnell of Poughkeepsie and Annie Gamble and her husband, Shawn of Georgia; her beloved grandchildren, Charles M. Drake, William R. Walker, Victoria Gilkes, Olivia LaValle and Corey Slater; her two great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Rainer; her best friend, Elizabeth Dolfinger; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Dolores Walker and granddaughter, Shanna Cora Walker.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. to remember and celebrate her life at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, South Avenue in Poughkeepsie.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.