Morrisa "Rissy" Basseches Zwetchkenbaum

Morrisa "Rissy" Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, age 92, died on October 8, 2025 at her home in Wingate Residence – one day shy of her 70th wedding anniversary to her beloved husband and “honey” Joseph Zwetchkenbaum. She lived in Providence for more than 50 years, previously living in Warwick. Born in Washington, DC on August 26, 1933, Rissy was the daughter and only child of the late Dr. Charles Basseches and Rose (Yeager) Basseches.

She graduated from Mount Vernon Seminary and Wheaton College, where she met her lifelong best friend (the late) Jane Lowett. Just months after graduating from Wheaton in 1955, Rissy married the love of her life, Joe. She had four children in five years, and dedicated herself to raising her children. Her children describe her as parenting each of them in exactly the right way, with the perfect balance of love, encouragement, and firm guidance. For more than four decades, she volunteered weekly at Miriam Hospital, and served as a president of the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association. She was a member of Temple Beth-El for more than 60 years. Rissy was an avid golfer when playing alongside Joe, as long-time members of Ledgemont Country Club. She played golf into her 90s, most recently showing her skills at a family birthday party at Top Golf. She was an enthusiastic walker, clocking three miles daily on Blackstone Blvd. with her (late) dear friend Starr Najarian. Rissy also endorsed healthy eating and lifestyle, even before these ideas were popular. Her very favorite activity was spending time with her family. Whether welcoming them to her home for holiday meals, or hosting her children and grandchildren during winter visits in Palm Beach, FL, Rissy was the heart and soul of her large and loving family.

She was the devoted mother of Rebecca Z Segal (Valerie Shulock) of Newton, MA; Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball) of Newton, MA: Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly Chazan Zwetchkenbaum) of Providence RI; and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr) of Providence, RI. She was the loving grandmother of 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). Most recently, she became great-grandmother to babies Leo, Joey, and Quinn. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters-in-law Barbara Z. Poplack (the late Dr. William Poplack) and Susan Z. Levy (Judd Levy), cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Rissy will be deeply missed by those who loved her. She will be remembered for her caring nature, warm hospitality, the genuine interest she took in people’s lives, and the joy, optimism, and energy she brought to all her endeavors.

Her funeral will take place Friday, October 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery. A shiva at the home of John and Kim Zwetchkenbaum will follow 3-5 pm on Friday, and at the home of Marc and Linne Zwetchkenbaum in Newton, MA on Thursday, October 16, 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm.

Donations can be made to the The Miriam Hospital Foundation – Development Office, P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901 https://giving.brownhealth.org/The-Miriam/Give-Now or Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 https://www.temple-beth-el.org/payment.php