Rita Berkowitz

Rita Berkowitz, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and unwavering dedication to those she cherished most. Born in 1932 in the Bronx, New York, to Sam and Molie Lazarus, Rita’s life was shaped by the values her parents instilled in her: hard work, community, and the joy of gathering loved ones around a table filled with good food and even better conversation.

She grew up alongside her sisters, Ida and Elaine, and formed a lifelong bond with her sister-in-law, Judy Levy. But it was across the street from her childhood home where she found the love of her life, Irving Berkowitz, her devoted husband until his passing in 2014. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, tradition, and the deep pride of raising three children: Wendy, Cindy, and Seth Berkowitz. She later embraced the treasured role of grandmother to Nicole and Michael Mancino, a title she wore with immense love and joy.

Rita spent her career as a Financial Aid Counselor at City University in the Bronx, where she made it her mission to uplift and guide students, ensuring they had the resources they needed to succeed. She believed in the power of education to change lives, and she worked tirelessly to help countless students carve out brighter futures. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her profession—Rita was a steadfast supporter of causes close to her heart, donating generously to City of Hope, St. Jude, and autism-related charities, particularly after her grandson Michael’s diagnosis.

A proud Jewish woman, Rita ensured that traditions were not just upheld but deeply felt. Her home was always filled with the warmth of holiday gatherings, her legendary stuffed cabbage, and the comforting presence of family sharing stories and laughter. She was strong-willed, opinionated, and fiercely loyal—qualities that made her unforgettable to all who knew her.

Rita Berkowitz was more than a mother, a grandmother, a wife—she was the matriarch of her family, the steady hand that guided and protected, the voice of wisdom and strength, and the heart that kept traditions alive. She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her love, her lessons, and her legacy in their hearts.

A funeral service will be held at Star of David Memorial Chapel, located at 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, on February 6, 2025, starting at 1:30 pm.

Following the funeral, a committal service will take place at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Rd, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, on the same day at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to City of Hope or Parkland Buddy Sports, ensuring that her spirit of generosity and care continues to touch lives.

Rita’s legacy lives on in the stories told around family tables, in the traditions she so lovingly preserved, and in the countless lives she touched along the way.

May her memory be a blessing.