RITA HELENE ZIDE

1938 - 2026

ZIDE, Rita Helene March 15, 1938 - January 7, 2026 Age 87, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, on January 7, 2026, surrounded by love. Born and raised in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, Rita met her husband, Donald (Buzzy), when she was 19 years old - an encounter that sparked a love story that would last for 68 years of marriage. Together, they built a full and happy life, first in Queens, New York, and later raising their family in Huntington and Great Neck. When her children left for college, Rita embraced a new chapter in New York City. Rita built a meaningful career in the cosmetics and skincare industry, first behind the retail counter, where her warmth, confidence, and eye for beauty quickly stood out. She went on to share her knowledge in corporate sales training roles at Revlon and later Erno Laszlo, mentoring others along the way, before culminating her career leading the cosmetics department at the iconic Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue. Ever chic and fashion-forward, Rita joined the staff at Tiffany & Co. in Palm Beach after their move to Florida - a role that felt like a natural extension of her elegance, independence, and love of beautiful things. Giving back was always central to who Rita was. She helped found the Aberdeen chapter of The Pap Corps and proudly served as president, raising funds for cancer research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Driven and independent, Rita had a lifelong love of fashion and style - especially her signature animal print décor - but her greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandchildren, took deep pride in each of them, and remained devoted to friendships that spanned decades from her days growing up near Blue Hill Avenue and Franklin Field. She is survived by her devoted husband, Donald (Buzzy); her children, Stephen Zide (Jan), Nancy Carr, and Dianne Zide; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Tory, Danny, Hannah (Ross), Jordan (Tyler), Caroline, Justin and Lauren; her sister, Carolann Smith; and her brother, Robert Smith (Hope). She was predeceased by her parents, Earl Smith and Helen (Banks). Funeral Services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, Massachusetts, on Monday, January 12, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to fund cancer research may be made to the Aberdeen Chapter of The Pap Corps in Boynton Beach, Florida. www.thepapcorps.org/aberdeen Services are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, located at 104 Myrtle Ave., STAMFORD, CT 06902. For online condolences, please visit Gallagherfuneralhome.com

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