Rita Hulkower

Rita Fay Hulkower passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020, at the age of 86 following a series of medical challenges and, finally, COVID-19.

Rita was born in New York City on July 12, 1934, and lived in Hartsdale, Westchester County, NY, until relocating to Asheville in 2013. Most recently she resided in the Healthcare Center at Givens Estates, in the compassionate care of their staff and medical team.

Rita co-founded and was the Director of the Union Child Daycare Center in Greenburgh, NY for over 30 years. She dedicated her life to early childhood education and to advocating for progressive causes. She was passionate about politics, literature, and classic movies, and most of all her family. Her growing collection of great-grandchildren was a special joy for her.

Rita's family includes her sister, Harriet Gorobetz; her sons, Stephen (Tina) of Asheville and Mark, who passed away in 2011; daughter-in-law, Nancy; grandchildren, Rachel (Michael and daughter Marcy), Ben (Katie and daughters Charlotte and Lucy), Emily (Tony), Annie (Ben), Griffin (Marija), and Maggie and nephews David Gorobetz (Susan) and Peter Gorobetz (Michael).

Rita was relentlessly optimistic, good natured, and a strong role model for many young women through the years. She loved to play games and discuss world events with her family. Her humor and intellect shone through to the end.