Rita Deutsch

DEUTSCH, RITA, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, actor, teacher, mentor, and aerobics kick boxer - died Augut 4th from lung cancer. Rita was born March 24, 1932 in Elizabeth N.J.to Maurice and Sarah Blinder. She attended the University of Vermont and Simmons. She met Leonard Deutsch in the Catskills and married him in 1954 in Miami. They had four children: Phyllis, Marjorie (1956-1992), Jo, and Steven. Rita loved exercise. At the UM's Wellness Center, her favorite classes were kick-box aerobics, "butts and guts" and Zumba. Rita loved classical music, the American songbook and Broadway musicals. Her dream to become a Radio City Hall Rockette, was never realized, but she performed in many Ring Theater shows. She joined the National Organization for Women in the 1970s and remained an ardent political activist for the rest of her life. She obtained a Master's degree in English Literature from the UM and began full-time work in the office of Student Academic Services. She served there as the Associate Dean for 30 years. She also taugh classes in Women's Studies. For her work at the university she earned numerous prestigious awards. Rita will be remembered with love by her husband Leonard of 61 years, her children Phyllis, Jo (Teresa Williams) and Steven, three grandchildren, and countless colleagues, students, and friends whose lives were enriched by her wit, intelligence, and compassion. As for Rita herself, we are convinced she is doing a high kick in the chorus line upstairs. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, August 6,2015 at Riverside-Gordon Memorial Chapel 5900 SW 77 Avenue, Miami Fl. 33143. Burial at Mt. Nebo Cemetery/Kendall. A full version of the Obituary can be read at www.RiversideGordonMemoriaIChapels.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Teton Botanical Garden, Jackson, Wyoming; The National Women's History museum, Washington, D.C.;or a charity of your choice.