Rita Eisman, 85

WARWICK, R.I. – Rita Eisman of Warwick died peacefully on March 10 with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Irving A. Eisman, daughter of the late Fannie (Brandwein) and Samuel Schweitzer of Brooklyn, New York, and sister of the late Myra Ellen Cooke. 

She is survived by her daughters Sharon and Bonnie Eisman, both of Warwick, her incredibly devoted dog Goody (aka Goomba), and two feathered family members, Oscar and Felix, who now live at Foster Parrots, an exotic wildlife sanctuary. 

Rita was born in New York, attended Prospect Heights High School and Brooklyn College. 

She was smart, tough, funny, and an avid animal lover and advocate. Rita was a Docent Emeritus at the Roger Williams Park Zoo where she volunteered for 20 years, and the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona for 10 years.  She was member-at-large of the East Greenwich Animal Protection League, where she also served as president for six years, and a long time member of Defenders for Animals in Providence. Rita was a life member of Hadassah, a member of Temple Beth-El, and the Mahjong Club. She enjoyed Bridge and Canasta as well. 

Rita is also survived by her nephew Jeffrey Cooke and his family of North Kingstown, and Steven Cooke and family of Kennewick, Washington. Contributions in her memory may be made to your favorite charity.