News Summary
Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, a dedicated community volunteer and matriarch from Providence, has passed away at the age of 92. Remembered for her contributions to Miriam Hospital and her unwavering commitment to family, Rissy’s legacy includes her strong parenting style, community service, and advocacy for healthy living. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, and cherished friends. Her funeral will be held at Temple Beth-El, honoring her impactful life and values.
Providence – Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, a beloved community volunteer and matriarch, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is remembered for her long-standing commitment to her family and community, including over 40 years of volunteer service at Miriam Hospital.
Born on August 26, 1933, in Washington, DC, Rissy was the daughter of the late Dr. Charles Basseches and Rose (Yeager) Basseches. She graduated from Mt. Vernon Seminary and later attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where she earned her degree. Following her graduation in 1955, she married Joseph Zwetchkenbaum and soon dedicated herself to raising their four children.
Rissy’s parenting was characterized by a loving yet balanced approach, where she provided encouragement along with firm guidance. In her community, she was an active member of Temple Beth-El for over 60 years and once served as the president of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, demonstrating her commitment to community service.
In addition to her volunteer work, Rissy was known for her love of golf, enjoying rounds at Ledgemont Country Club alongside her husband. Even into her 90s, she remained active, walking three miles daily on Blackstone Boulevard with her late friend, Starr Najarian. Rissy was an advocate for healthy living, emphasizing the importance of balanced eating and lifestyle choices.
Family was at the center of Rissy’s life. She cherished hosting holiday meals and winter gatherings in Palm Beach, Florida. Rissy is survived by her beloved children: Rebecca Z. Segal (Valerie Shulock), Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball), Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly Chazan Zwetchkenbaum), and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr). She is also a cherished grandmother to nine grandchildren and recently became a great-grandmother to three.
Rissy is survived by her sisters-in-law Barbara Z. Poplack and Susan Z. Levy, along with a wide range of cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Her funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth-El, located at 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow at Swan Point Cemetery. A shiva will be held at the home of John and Kim Zwetchkenbaum from 3-5 pm on Friday. Another shiva will take place at Marc and Linne Zwetchkenbaum’s home in Newton, MA, on October 16 from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to The Miriam Hospital Foundation or Temple Beth-El, supporting the institutions that reflected her life’s work and values.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Remembering Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Zwetchkenbaum: A Legacy of Love
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Google Search: Miriam Hospital
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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.
