Rita Epstein Sichel Cagen

7/2/1933-10/15/2026 93 Years old

Most recently Resided at Discovery Village Assisted Living in Richmond Va since 2019 at the time of passing.

Also resided: Bronx, NY, Bayside Queens, NY, Spring Valley, NY, West Palm Beach, Fla, Richmond Va.

Rita Cagen passed away peacefully in her sleep while in Hospice Care on 10/15/26. Born in the Bronx NY, Rita was adopted at a young age by Don and Dora Sichel. Don and Dora both passed away while Rita was just a young teenager. Rita was then placed in the loving care of her brother Frank Sichel, and her sister Hilda(Sichel)Michel her husband Walter Michel. While they have all since passed away, they all adored and loved Rita as though she were their own.

Born and raised in the Bronx NY, Rita moved to Bayside Queens after marriage in 1953. In 1964 Rita and her Husband decided to make the move to Spring Valley NY in order to raise their family. Rita and her family resided in Spring Valley, NY for 30 years. In semi-retirement Rita moved to West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband Morton C Cagen. After his passing, she then lived out her remaining years in Richmond Va to be closer to her Daughters Sharon(Cagen) Spector and Lisa Cagen.

Like an angel on earth, she will be remembered as a nurturing, kind, genuine, honest, caring and loving person. Rita was a true beauty, both inside and out. As a child she was often photographed and entered into beauty pageants. She started out her professional career as a Med Tech and in 1972, would go on to graduate from Rockland Community College as a Registered Nurse and spend over 30 years in Nursing. As a dedicated nurse, and highly respected by her colleagues, she worked many of those years at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, NY and later transitioned to a clinic in Boynton Beach Florida. While volunteering at the Boynton Beach Migrant Workers Clinic as a Triage Nurse in Boynton Beach Florida, Rita would translate medical information from a variety of other languages in order for patients to receive their care. As a part of her upbringing, Rita was immersed in many cultures and therefore spoke 5 languages; English was her primary language, and she was also fluent in Spanish, German, Hungarian and Yiddish languages.

Married to her one and only Morton C. Cagen on January 31, 1953, her husband “Morty” sadly passed away on Jan 13, 2013. Rita and Morty were introduced to one another by her best friends and classmates when Rita was just a teen. Rita already knew Morty’s family for years before she met the future love of her life and husband. As one can imagine, Rita loved surrounding herself with all of her family. She enjoyed cooking, primarily taught to her by her mother in law Bertha “Birdy” Cohen. As family and friends can also attest to, in addition for her love of anything chocolate, she enjoyed playing Bingo and any chance to dance. She played piano and had a lovely singing voice. Rita immersed herself into refinishing furniture and reviving antiques. Many of these refinished pieces are now part of her legacy as they are in several homes of her children and grandchildren. She also had a green thumb and every summer in Spring Valley always had a thriving vegetable garden full of giant tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. She would generously give away any excess vegetables to friends, family, coworkers and even strangers to enjoy the fruits of her labor. While there were many “Ritaisms,” her most memorable and enjoyable phrase to those that know: “Oh My Morty is it gonna storm!” Most importantly, Rita truly dedicated her life to her family. She was also adored by her family, many friends, colleagues and acquaintances she made wherever she would go. Her sense of humor, genuine honesty and gift of gab will be greatly missed by all. We love you.

Rita survived by two daughters Sharon(Cagen)Spector and her husband Ronnie Spector, Lisa Cagen and Carlos Sancho, and her son Dana Cagen and his wife Susan Cagen. Also survived by 4 grandchildren Audra and her husband Rick, Tara, Elliot and Bel and 3 great-grandchildren Caleb, Calder and Jensen. Rita is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of over 60 years Morton C Cagen. Also predeceased by Her parents, Don and Dora Sichel, sister, Hilda (Sichel)Michel, Brother in Law Walter Michel, Brothers Frank Sichel and Joesph Sichel.

A Funeral Service will be held Wed Oct 21 2026 from 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm at Star of David Memorial Chapel. 7701 Bailey Rd North Lauderdale Fla 33068

Followed by a Graveside Service from 3:15pm to 3:45 pm at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel. 7701 Bailey Rd North Lauderdale Fla 33068

In Lieu of flowers, anyone is welcome to make a donation in Memory of Rita to either the Alzheimers Foundation or the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in Israel.