News Summary
Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, aged 92, passed away just shy of her 70th wedding anniversary. Known for her dedication to family, community service, and active living, Rissy leaves a legacy through her four children and nine grandchildren. A longtime member of Temple Beth-El and an avid golfer, she inspired many with her commitment to health and wellness. A funeral service is scheduled at Temple Beth-El, with donations requested in her memory to local charities.
Providence, Rhode Island – Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, age 92, passed away on October 8, 2025, at her home in Wingate Residence, just one day shy of celebrating her 70th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, Joseph Zwetchkenbaum. Rissy’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, community service, and active lifestyles well into her later years.
Originally born in Washington, DC, on August 26, 1933, Rissy was the only child of the late Dr. Charles Basseches and Rose (Yeager) Basseches. She graduated from Mount Vernon Seminary in Washington, DC, before furthering her education at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where she would meet her lifelong best friend, the late Jane Lowett. Following her graduation in 1955, Rissy married Joseph, affectionately known as “honey.” Together they raised four children in Providence, having moved there after living in Warwick, Rhode Island for several years.
Rissy’s commitment to her family was evident throughout her life. Over the span of five years, she gave birth to four children, gracefully balancing her dual roles as a nurturing mother and firm disciplinarian. Her children have described her parenting style as perfectly attuned, filled with love and encouragement while still providing necessary guidance. Rissy’s influence extended beyond her immediate family, as she dedicated over 40 years to volunteering at Miriam Hospital, notably serving as president of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association.
For more than six decades, Rissy was a devoted member of Temple Beth-El where she participated actively in community events. Her interests were diverse; she was an avid golfer, playing regularly with her husband at Ledgemont Country Club and continuing to showcase her skills at family gatherings, even in her 90s. Additionally, Rissy was known for her daily routine of walking three miles on Blackstone Boulevard, accompanied by her late friend Starr Najarian.
Rissy was ahead of her time in promoting health and wellness, embracing a healthy eating lifestyle long before it was fashionable. She loved hosting family gatherings, especially during the holidays, and often enjoyed vacations with her family in Palm Beach, Florida.
She is survived by her four children: Rebecca Z. Segal (Valerie Shulock) of Newton, MA; Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly Chazan Zwetchkenbaum) of Providence, RI; Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball) of Newton, MA; and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr) of Providence, RI. Rissy was also a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren and was recently blessed to become a great-grandmother to three: Leo, Joey, and Quinn. Her legacy continues through her sisters-in-law, Barbara Z. Poplack and Susan Z. Levy, along with cousins and extended family.
The funeral service for Rissy is scheduled for October 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth-El, located at 70 Orchard Avenue in Providence. Following the service, burial will take place 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 October 16 from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rissy’s memory can be directed to The Miriam Hospital Foundation or Temple Beth-El.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal Obituary
- Wikipedia: Temple Beth-El (Providence)
- Dignity Memorial Obituary
- Google Search: Rhode Island obituaries
- Miriam Hospital
- Google Scholar: health and wellness
- Legacy.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: community service in Rhode Island
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