Dr. Rita D. Jaffe

Dr. Rita D. Jaffe, of Philadelphia, PA, and Winter Park, FL, died on March 15, 2025.

Rita was born on September 30, 1930, to Samuel and Shirley Dowburd and spent her childhood in Philadelphia. At 13, she met her beloved husband, Sydney M. Jaffe, and their love story spanned seven decades before Syd passed in 2020.

A devoted and unconditionally loving mother, Rita’s heart knew no limits when it came to her children. She nurtured, guided, and championed them in all things, leaving behind a legacy of love in Howard Jaffe (Mary Ellen Goetz), David Jaffe (Judith Voynow), Sharon Jaffe (C. Allen Carson Jr.), Jeremy Jaffe (Nancy Wolfson), and Celia Jaffe Mamary (A. James Mamary).

She was a cherished sister to Chic Dowburd (Joan) and was predeceased by her sister Elaine Cohen (Phil) and brother Mel Dowburd. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law Jerome Jaffe (Faith) and was predeceased by Syd’s sisters and brothers-in-law: Helen Kohn (Sheldon) and Beatrice Weinberg Sklar (Leon).

A proud and loving grandmother to Vera Bess Koskelo (Antti), Rebecca Jaffe, Rachel Jaffe (Jack Laingen), Noah Jaffe, Aaron Jaffe, HannahRose Mamary, Andrea Jaffe, and LilyRuth Mamary. She will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A natural storyteller with a keen sense of humor, Rita had the rare gift of making funny things even funnier. Her intelligence and curiosity knew no bounds - she was well read, knowledgeable on countless topics, and endlessly eager to learn. A dedicated teacher, guidance counselor, and psychologist, she touched the lives of many, offering wisdom, empathy, and a guiding hand to those in need. Even in her later years, Rita continued to see patients and found new ways to connect, becoming active in a Zoom Havurah and the Clubhouse App, where she made friends of all ages from around the globe.

Rita’s adventurous spirit took her on unforgettable journeys—from helicopter rides over volcanoes to scuba diving in Hawaii. She embraced life with optimism, choosing happiness and resilience in the face of challenges. She refused to let physical her limitations define her, seeing them as mere nuisances to be ignored.

Her deep love of Judaism was central to her life, and she was a staunch supporter of Israel through activism and donations. Rita was politically engaged, believing in action to make the world a better place—whether through making calls to get out the vote, fundraising for JDRF, or advocating for other causes close to her heart.

A lifelong lover of music, she sang in choruses, played piano, and even took up the harp in later years. She found joy in Zamir Choral Camp, where she combined her love of learning with music and friendship. Rita took immense pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, attending recitals, gigs, and events with enthusiasm.

To know Rita was to have a friend for life. She held no grudges and believed in the power of peace, love, and generosity. In her final days, she reminded those she loved of what mattered most: "Peace. Love of family. To make a contribution to the world."

Contributions in her memory may be made to causes that have affected dear family and friends Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at www.breakthrought1d.org, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/ or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.

Rita’s light, wisdom, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Cards may be sent c/o Sharon Jaffe, P.O. Box 754, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004