Rita Moskovitz

Rita Moskovitz of Springfield, TN, 82 years old, passed away Wednesday night surrounded by family and her many friends.

She was a beloved teacher, special education pioneer and mentor to many.

Mrs. Rita, as her peers and students knew her, started in the teaching profession when special needs students were not yet part of the mainstream school system. She eventually earned her undergraduate and Master's degree at the University of Tennessee, while teaching and raising her family. She became a leader and advocate for special education advances in Tennessee. She taught special education in Greenbrier High School for over 30 years and was also a Sunday School teacher at West End Synagogue.

Her most cherished accomplishments she always said were the multitude of students, teaching assistants and future teachers that she helped reach their full potential. The entourage of friends, students and associates who rushed to the hospital to say their goodbyes in her final hours was a testament to the impact she had on so many lives. And nothing gave her greater pleasure in her life than that brought to her by her three grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Herb. She is survived by her children Scott (Cindy) and Staci Joyce (Tim), her grandchildren Andrew (fiancé Erin McCafferty), Lauren Moskovitz and Hadli Joyce, and her sister Betty Lou Weiss (Walter).

Honorary pallbearers are Tommy and Wanda Mason, Philip and Rosio Mason, Clint and Nicole Mason, Rebekah and John Borthick, Carol and Randy Williamson, Mike Kavanaugh, Kenneth and Linda Cherry, Debbie Hollingsworth, Denise and Al Adcock, Robin and Ronnie Tate, Joy and Chip Murphy, Janice Sanford, Jennifer Jackson, Teresa Humphrey, her "Friday Night Chicks", and Faye Marks. These friends, along with countless teachers and retired teachers, were her support system and friends throughout her life in Springfield.

A graveside service will be held at Congregation Micah on Friday, August 19th at 10:00 am, followed by a reception in the Social Hall.

Her final wish was that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either, The Robertson County Senior Center, 615 S. Locust Street, or CASA of Robertson County, P.O. Box 967, both in Springfield, TN, 37172, where she had been very involved over the years.