Rita Agnes Wissink

She was a strong, spirited, passionate individual. She struggled for many years with health issues after a back injury left her with limited mobility. Despite the adversities she faced, she was relentless in her desire to expand her mind and pursue her artistic vision. Rita is survived by her former husband Alex, her son, Larry, her daughter, Marika and four grandchildren, Cole, Gerrit, Megan, and Madeline.

Throughout her life, Rita believed in the importance of culture, art, and education. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, she grew up in modest circumstances. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from University of Witwatersrand. After immigrating to the U.S., Rita raised two children with her husband, Alex, while continuing to devote time to her painting. Rita was proud of her chapter on Art in a book on the history of Montgomery County, PA. Rita also loved poetry. One of her gifts was an ability to recite poems she had read many years before. She loved poems by Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas, William Blake and many more. She also loved classical music, and encouraged her children in their musical studies as a cornerstone of their lives.

After struggles to find the right professional career, Rita started a business growing heirloom English roses. Though the business started well, she injured her back during the construction. Sadly, a surgery led to complications and her mobility began to decline. Soon, she was confined to a wheelchair. In 2000, she entered a nursing home. Even though her circumstances were much diminished, her spirit was still dominant. She continued to read voraciously about history, art, and fiction. In the nursing home she was known well by all the staff for her insistence on having things done just so. Through the years and trials, she never lost her spirit. Her granddaughters Megan and Madeline enjoyed spending time with her learning to sew, doing their nails, and having secret girl time (eating chocolate). She always believed in a just society where people are cared for and treated with dignity. She strove to understand the world and create art that expressed the human spirit. She lived with a belief that she could do anything she set her mind to, a belief that she imparted to her children.

A memorial service for Rita will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Monroe Congregational Church (34 Church Street). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Bridgeport Rescue Mission: https://bridgeportrescuemission.org/, New Haven Arts Council: https://www.newhavenarts.org/, or Neighborhood Music School: https://nmsnewhaven.org/