Rita Schiller's Obituary
Rita Comen Schiller, age 91, passed away on Saturday March 21, 2020
surrounded by loving family.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 6, 1928, Rita was the daughter of Saul
and Gussie Comen and sister of Jerome (Jerry) Comen, all of whom
predeceased her. Both of Rita’s parents passed away when she was in high
school forcing her to grow up quickly and become a strong, independent
and resourceful woman.
Rita was a talented and beautiful child who sang and danced in children’s
theater productions. Photos of her during this time remain a testament to
her unique beauty as well as treasures to her family. Rita’s childhood beauty continued throughout her life, causing heads to turn wherever she went. She even modeled in New York to make ends meet after high school.
In 1951 mutual friends introduced her to Ira Schiller at a nightclub on Long Island. In August of 1952 they married and later had two daughters. Rita and Ira continued to love, laugh, celebrate, raise a family, bicker and enjoy life for 43 years until Ira’s passing in 1995. Again, Rita had to be strong and she came through with flying colors.
Rita adored her family and delighted in celebrating all occasions big and
small. Hobbies included playing tennis, canasta and Blackjack as well as
enthusiastically following the Miami Heat and all the major tennis
tournaments. Rita could be heard yelling at the TV either cheering her
favorites or razzing their opponents. She also loved reading, shopping,
dining as well as drinking wine and although she could cook the basics,
replace a missing button, was modern as well as smart, you would never
find her in front of a Cuisinart, sewing machine or a computer.
Rita’s legacy will be carried on by those who survive her: Daughters Gail
Bass (husband Richard) and Bonnie Schiller (husband Alan Fellman);
grandchildren – Jeri Moran, Kristy Hochberg, Jason Bass, Joshua and
Jordan Fellman; and great-grandchildren – Jacob, Andrew and Sarah
Moran, Bradley and Shayna Hochberg and Peyton Bass.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita?
Share a story where Rita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?