Rita Rhea Geffen

Rita Rhea Marcus Geffen passed away at her home on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. She was born in New York City on October 9, 1921. Her parents, Benjamin and Rebecca, were immigrants who met and married in New York, and had two children: Rita and her brother, Joseph. Rita was always proud of her roots in New York City, and spoke of the industry and ambition that her parents had and imparted to her. Rita grew up in White Plains, enrolled in Elmira College at age 16 and graduated from New York University with a degree in education. She married her husband, Robert Geffen, in 1941, and they lived in Port Chester, New York, where they raised their two children, Laura and Michael. She worked as a secretary for the United States Army during World War II, and also worked as an office manager for Temple Kneses Tifereth Israel in Port Chester.

Rita and Robert moved to California in 1976 to be close to their children and grandchildren, and settled in a wonderful warm and friendly cul de sac in Claremont in 1977. When Robert got a job as an accountant at Lazarow & Co., she followed him to work there until they both retired in the late 1980s. She later volunteered in the office at Temple Beth Israel in Pomona.

She is remembered for her razor-sharp intellect and wit, her endless energy, and an outgoing personality -- despite insisting to family that she was a very shy person.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert Geffen. She is survived by her children Michael and Jean Geffen of Upland, and Laura Geffen and John Groper of Los Angeles; as well as three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She loved them all very much and was incredibly proud of all of them.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Temple Beth Israel 3033 N. Towne Ave., Pomona, Ca 91767.

Arrangements under the direction of Stone Funeral Home FD272, Upland, CA.