Rita Russakoff

RUSSAKOFF, Rita S., passed away peacefully and without pain on March 2, 2009. She was 72 years old. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Herbert Russakoff; sister, Myra Rosen; daughter, Lisa Russakoff-Gilman and husband, Rex; sons, Robert Russakoff and wife, Pixie, and Ronald Russakoff and wife, Cindy; five grandchildren, Corey, Claire, Ryan, Michael and Melanie. Rita was a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and resided in Midlothian, Va., for the last 28 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lillian Mushkatel. Rita was a loving and supportive part of her children's lives, providing Guidance, Direction, Insight and shared her wisdom throughout their adulthood. She taught Religious School in Oak Park, Mich.; Columbia, S.C.; Lima, Ohio and Richmond, Va., as well as being active in the PTA in Oak Park, Mich. For 10 years she was a member of the Officer's Wives Club and held various leadership positions within the organization. Rita worked as a social worker for many years with the Jewish Family Services in the Detroit Metropolitan area, and in Richmond Va., at the Beth Shalom Nursing Home and the MS Society. Rita's zest for life continued in her volunteer work with "12 On Your Side," the Theatre of Virginia, Carpenter Center, Landmark Theatre and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra at the 2nd Baptist Church in Richmond. She was also a very active member of ORT for 13 years. Her passion for travel took her and Herb to all seven continents and more than 80 countries, experiencing many of the world's wonders. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful care given to her by the St. Francis Hospital Hospice of Midlothian, Va. Memorial service will be held this Friday, March 6, 2009 beginning at 11 a.m. at Congregation Or Ami, located at 9400 W. Huguenot Road, with Rabbi Ben Romer officiating. Rita was an advocate for conservation of trees, and in lieu of flowers the family asks that a tree be planted in her memory through www.jnftrees.com OR donations can be made to Temple Israel, Sunday School Fund, P.O. Box 2051, Valparaiso, Ind. 46384.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.