January 1, 1937- March 25, 2025

Born in Smargon, Belarus, Rita was 4 years old when she and her family fled from the Nazis with a pair of scissors, a pot, and little else. After hiding in a swamp near starvation until the end of WWII, she returned briefly to her destroyed hometown before making her way to the Schlachtensee Displaced Persons Camp in Berlin. After two years of food, learning, and singing in the DP camp, relatives in Seattle sponsored her and her family to immigrate to the US.

Upon arrival in 1947, Rita spoke no English. She quickly moved through elementary school, then proudly graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Washington. She valued above all family, education, and her personal connection to a higher being. Rita embraced art, music, nature, and crossword puzzling. She loved her family and grand- dogs, and was especially known for her baking.

Rita’s early life had a profound influence on her values and how she viewed the world, including her peaceful death. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerome, who she missed every day.

Rita is survived by her loving daughters and their families, Renee Katz (Eric), Cindy Katz (David Volk), and Julie Katz (Andrew Hess), and grandchildren, Josh Radman (Raegan), Leora Radman (Blake Branch), Elie Hess, Hana Volk, and Nathan Volk. Charitable donations in her memory may be made to the Holocaust Center for Humanity, HIAS, YIVO Institute, the UW Jerome & Rita Katz Endowed Fellowship, or a charity of your choice.