Rita Schnitzer

Rita Nanda Bice Schnitzer (née Ceccucci) of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her home on November 28, 2024, after a joyful family Thanksgiving. Born on May 29, 1959 (65) in Montreal, Canada, Rita graduated from McGill University in 1981 and was married for 41 years to William "Bill" Schnitzer. In 1990, inspired by a story on the news, she set out on a long and difficult journey to Romania to bring siblings Rebecca and Daniel home to Bill. After her children were grown, Rita began a 17-year career with Starbucks, where she was proud to work alongside young co-workers and bring joy to regular customers-many of whom became friends.

Rita was kind, passionate and tenacious. She accepted a cancer diagnosis 8 years ago as something to be lived with, but not ruled by, and her core values guided her through the twists and turns of treatment. She sought joy in every experience-from a walk with friends or a book club meeting, to her grandchild's first steps and the taste of gelato on the shores of Lake Como. Rita's perspective and spirit will endure as an inspiration to her many supporters and admirers.

Rita is survived by her husband Bill, her children, Rebecca and Daniel, daughter-in-law Kayla, grandsons Rylan and Reece, brother Albert Ceccucci (Joanne Amicarelli), siblings-in-law, Laura Schnitzer (Christian Lalonde), Robert Schnitzer (Jenny Caron), and Don McCaffrey. She was predeceased by sister in-law, Anne McCaffrey, née Schnitzer, and her loving parents, Enzo Ceccucci and Olga Dangubic.

The family will receive visitors at a reception at AS Turner and Sons from 5pm to 7pm on December 13, 2024. The Celebration of Life will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, Georgia at 11 am on December 14th with a reception in Mulhern Hall to follow. A private interment will be held on December 15th.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Rita Schnitzer be made in support of the Winship Way Fund, whose mission is to improve and enhance cancer patients' experiences while undergoing treatment.