The Arc Westchester staff and board mourns the loss of our dear friend and supporter Rita Ross of Chappaqua. She passed away on March 19, 2021. Rita is predeceased by her husband Mort and their daughter Laurie, a former recipient of Arc Westchester services.

Rita has been a dear friend and extraordinary supporter of The Arc Westchester since the late 1970’s. For over four decades, she gave very generously of her time, as a Board member of The Arc Westchester and by serving on numerous committees including Nominating, Fundraising, Residential, Adult & Transitional Day Services, Government & Community Relations, Recreation and Membership, Public Relations & Marketing. As a founding member of the Northern Westchester League, Rita worked tirelessly to educate people about the impact of developmental disabilities on individuals and families living in their community, as well as to support fundraising efforts for The Arc Westchester’s programs and services.

She was a fierce advocate who embodied The Arc Westchester’s tagline, “founded by families, for families, for life.” All of us at The Arc Westchester and the Foundation will miss her bright, generous spirit and will be forever grateful for her friendship and support.