Rita "Reba" Epstein may have left us in the physical sense on the morning of August 3, 2020. But her big, bright smile, iconic one-liners, jazzy sense of style, and larger-than-life personality will live on with everyone who knew and loved her.

Reba was born on April 16, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Louis and Sadie Kaplan, also had a son, Reba's older brother Marc. As a young girl, Reba loved to listen to The Shadow on the radio with her brother, visit Coney Island (where Nathan's Hot Dogs were only a nickel!), and go out dancing whenever she could. 

Reba married the love of her life, Manny Epstein, in 1950 after being set up on a blind date. They had two daughters, Madlyn and Meryl. (Manny, Madlyn, and Meryl were her "three Ms.") Tragically, Manny left much too soon, and Reba bravely raised her girls on her own while celebrating his memory.

She loved her daughters dearly and would brag about them to anyone who would listen. When they grew up and got married, Reba lovingly embraced their husbands, Howie and Tony, as if they were her own sons.  

Reba never remarried, but she wasn't afraid to flirt with every fireman, doctor, grocery store employee, waiter...pretty much any handsome "fella" she encountered. This, along with her quick wit and feisty persona, gave her the nickname of Foxy. 

She worked at an insurance company, where she was applauded for her stellar shorthand and speed typing skills. Later on, she became a school lunch lady. Her PB&J sandwiches and playful sense of humor made her a favorite amongst the students and staff. 

Reba had two granddaughters, Loni and Dina, two grandson-in-laws, Artie and Benny, and two great grandchildren, Leo and Lola. She was very close to her granddaughters and their "hubbies" (as she called them), always keeping their secrets, offering whatever gifts she could, and most of all, laughing and making beautiful memories.

Reba worked nearly her whole life, enjoyed simple pleasures like Dunkin’ Donuts, Wheel of Fortune, and Tabu perfume, developed a tough take-no-nonsense attitude, but still remained kind, sensitive, generous, and very silly within. She loved bingo halls, playing numbers (515 and 258), and slot machines—not just for the rush, but because she was extraordinarily lucky and won all the time. She'd often fantasize about how she'd spend, and share, her winnings when she finally "hit big." Her loved ones know that they "hit big" by having her in their lives. 

Reba's family will have an intimate ceremony to celebrate their beloved matriarch on Wednesday August 5, 2020. If you wish to honor her memory, you can make a donation to your local fire department, savor a hot cup of coffee (and add a few too many sugars), dance The Lindy Hop all night long, or just up your sass factor about 91%. If Reba is watching, she'll give you a big thumbs up and say, "go for it, kid."