News Summary
The Providence community is grieving the passing of four esteemed residents: Robert E. Borah, Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, Linda Ann Kane, and Jerrold L. Lavine. Each contributed significantly to local life, from community service and volunteer work to culinary excellence and civic leadership. As memorial services are scheduled, the legacy of these individuals shines through their commitments to family, friends, and their community.
PROVIDENCE, RI — The community is in mourning following the loss of four beloved local figures: Robert E. Borah, Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, Linda Ann Kane, and Jerrold L. Lavine, each of whom made significant contributions to the community throughout their lives.
Robert E. Borah
Robert E. Borah passed into eternal life on October 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of family and community service. He was married to Ann Marshall Borah for 66 years and is survived by their six children: Bethany Ackley (Brian), Mary Gorman (Stephen), Thomas Borah (Clare), James Borah (Maura), John Borah (Rachel), and David Borah (Kara). Robert’s family also includes his late twin brother, Daniel Borah, and brother, Richard Borah.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret’s Church in Rumford, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence. Calling hours will be held on October 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home in Pawtucket. A full obituary is available online.
Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum
Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum died on October 8, 2025, just one day shy of her 70th wedding anniversary with husband Joseph Zwetchkenbaum. She was a longtime resident of Providence and previously lived in Warwick. Rissy was born on August 26, 1933, in Washington, DC and graduated from Mount Vernon Seminary and Wheaton College.
For over 40 years, Rissy volunteered at Miriam Hospital, where she served as past president of the hospital’s Women’s Association. She was also a devoted member of Temple Beth-El for more than 60 years. Rissy is survived by four children: Rebecca Z. Segal (Valerie Shulock), Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly), Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball), and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr), as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as “granny.” Her funeral will take place on October 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Temple Beth-El, with burial at Swan Point Cemetery. Shiva will be held at different family homes on October 10 and 16. Donations can be made to The Miriam Hospital Foundation or Temple Beth-El.
Linda Ann Kane
Linda Ann Kane, aged 65, unexpectedly passed away on September 17, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Dolores J. Barone-Santopadre and David Kane. Linda is survived by her sister, Dyan Kane, and brother-in-law Robert Alexander, along with beloved step-siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Linda was a renowned chef specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, earning degrees from Johnson & Wales University. She established and operated three restaurants in Providence, Bristol, and Orlando, and served as a private chef and consultant in Chicago. Additionally, she founded Sauce on the Side Productions, creating popular local condiments like Rhode Island Red HOT Sauce and Cowboy Ketchup. Linda contributed to the community by directing meal programs at Amos House, serving thousands in need. A celebration of her life was held on September 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Community Music Works, with donations suggested to Community Music Works and Amos House.
Jerrold L. Lavine
Jerrold L. Lavine, aged 85, passed away surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, he was born in Providence and later educated at Boston University. Jerrold led a successful career as an entrepreneur and civic leader, notable for his leadership at Globe Distribution and The Freeman Group, Ltd., as well as serving as Director of Administration under Governor Bruce Sundlun.
His commitment to civic engagement included active roles at Roger Williams University. Jerrold is survived by his wife, Barbara (Showstack) Lavine, and four children: Jeffrey (Jennifer), Jonathan (Jeannie), Marc (Lori), and Elisa Buchsbaum (Gordon), along with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His funeral service will be held on September 26, 2025, at Temple Emanu-El, with burial at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA. Shiva services will take place at various family homes, and donations may be made to the Lavine Torah Tutor Fund and the Lavine Scholarship Fund at Roger Williams University.
As the community reflects on the legacies of these individuals, local residents are invited to honor their lives through the planned memorial services and charitable contributions.
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Additional Resources
- Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum Obituary – Dignity Memorial
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Robert Borah Obituary – Providence Journal
- Google Search: Robert Borah
- Linda Kane Obituary – Dignity Memorial
- Google Scholar: Community Service
- Demetrio Ramos Obituary – Dignity Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Compassion
- Jerrold Lavine Obituary – Providence Journal
- Google News: Jerrold Lavine
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
