News Summary
Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, a beloved member of the Providence community, passed away at the age of 92, just a day before her 70th wedding anniversary. Known for her dedication to family and community, Rissy volunteered at Miriam Hospital for over 40 years and was an active member of Temple Beth-El. She is survived by her husband, four children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Her contributions and warm spirit will be cherished by all who knew her.
Providence – Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, age 92, passed away on October 8, 2025, at her home in Wingate Residence. Her death came just a day before she and her husband, Joseph Zwetchkenbaum, would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Rissy lived in Providence for over 50 years and had previously resided in Warwick. Born on August 26, 1933, in Washington, D.C., she was the only child of the late Dr. Charles Basseches and Rose (Yeager) Basseches. Rissy graduated from Mount Vernon Seminary and Wheaton College, where she met her lifelong best friend, the late Jane Lowett.
Shortly after completing her education, Rissy married Joseph Zwetchkenbaum in 1955. Together they raised four children in a home filled with love and guidance. Her children appreciated her perfect blend of encouragement and firm direction during their upbringing.
Rissy contributed significantly to her community, volunteering weekly at Miriam Hospital for over 40 years. She even served as president of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association. In addition, she was a committed member of Temple Beth-El for over 60 years, participating actively in various community events.
Outside of her volunteer work, Rissy was known for her passion for golf, being a long-time member of Ledgemont Country Club. Remarkably, she continued to play golf well into her 90s, showcasing her skills during family celebrations at venues such as Top Golf. Rissy maintained a commitment to health by regularly walking three miles daily on Blackstone Boulevard, often accompanied by her late friend, Starr Najarian. Her advocacy for healthy eating and lifestyle practices predates their widespread popularity.
Family was Rissy’s greatest joy. She loved hosting holiday meals and welcoming relatives during winter visits to Palm Beach, Florida. As a devoted mother, she is survived by four children: Rebecca Z. Segal (Valerie Shulock), Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball), Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly Chazan Zwetchkenbaum), and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr). Rissy cherished her role as a grandmother to nine grandchildren: Sara Cote (Eddie), Eddy Segal (Corie Reed), Nathan Shulock (Sarah Harney), Michaela Berla-Shulock (Cate Streissguth), Jill Zwetchkenbaum (Teddy Malpiede), Charlie Zwetchkenbaum, Alex Zwetchkenbaum (Kathryn), Abby Z. Gibson (Ben), and Drew Zwetchkenbaum (Sydney Silver). Recently, she became a great-grandmother to three babies: Leo, Joey, and Quinn.
She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Barbara Z. Poplack and Susan Z. Levy, as well as cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Rissy would be remembered for her caring nature, warm hospitality, and enthusiasm for life.
Funeral services will be held on 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 and at Marc and Linne Zwetchkenbaum’s home in Newton, MA, on Thursday, October 16, from 2-5 PM and 7-9 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Miriam Hospital Foundation or Temple Beth-El.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence Community Mourns Loss of Cherished Residents
Beloved Community Volunteer Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum Passes Away
Remembering Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Zwetchkenbaum: A Legacy of Love
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
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.
