Rita Weiss

Rita Faye Weiss passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, a deep commitment to helping others, joy and humor to all who knew her. She was born on January 04, 1941, and as she wished, passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, in her childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Rita devoted her life to serving others as a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, offering guidance, empathy, and unconditional support to countless individuals and families throughout her long career. She believed in the dignity of every person she served and worked tirelessly to advocate for those most in need. Rita always made people feel seen, heard and valued.

Rita attended St. Paul Central High School, then matriculated to the University of Minnesota receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She moved to Detroit, Michigan to attend Wayne State University, earning her Master of Social Work (MSW). She stayed in Michigan for over 20 years, working at various agencies as a caseworker and psychotherapist; she became the Director and Founder of the P.A.D Program for Alternative to Drugs. She also worked as the Family Education Coordinator for the Oakland County Juvenile Court, a testament to the breadth of her experience she brought to her social work career.

In 1990, she returned to St. Paul to care for her aging parents, Harry and Rose, leaving behind treasured friends; and obtaining a long held position at Family and Children’s Services of Minneapolis. She subsequently worked at other agencies as a psychotherapist, eventually moving to private practice. Showing her true dedication and passion, she continued to work with her clients until her passing.

Outside of her career, Rita loved exercising, dancing and spending time with her friends that she always considered her family. At age 50, Rita decided to become a ball room dancer — a pastime that brought her both happiness and connection. Whether waltzing with elegance or spinning through a lively foxtrot, she found freedom and expression on the dance floor, winning awards in the annual Minnesota Open Ballroom Dance Competition.

Rita was a beloved family member and dearest friend to many. Rita sought connection, and her open heart and spirit brought joy and light to all who met her. Rita was quirky, funny, the best of punsters, stubborn in the best of ways, and utterly unique and exceptional.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose (Seifer) and Harry Weiss; and her cousins, Bernice Wallace and Beverly Gerry. She is survived by her cousins, Nancy Wallace and Judy Lattif; her childhood friend Myrna Schaffer, Michele Bloom and the Bloom Family, Michelle Hockersmith and her brother, Steve Weiss and family — all of whom she loved deeply.

Rita was grateful to all her friends who provided support and comfort in her final days especially, Debbie and Tim Dahl, Satial Tailin, Barbara Kestegian and Dana Youman.

As Rita wished, she will be buried near her parents at Chesed Shel Emes of St. Paul, in a private funeral service for close friends and family to honor and celebrate Rita's life. Her presence will be missed, but her spirit, light and joy lives on in every life she touched. Rita will be most remembered for her living life her own way, her sense of humor, and youthful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Rita’s memory to Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation; National Association of Social Workers; and the American Civil Liberties Union - continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Graveside service 12:00 PM on Monday, May 19th at Chesed Shel Emes,1600 Christie Place, St.Paul.

ZOOM LINK: www.hodroffs.com/RitaWeiss (direct link below)