Obituary of Rita T. Plansky

On November 18, 2023, Rita Plansky, 70, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving husband and three children.

Rita was born in Manhattan, NY to William and Rita Droughton (Curran) in 1953 and grew up in the Long Island suburb of West Babylon. In 1975, while still living on Long Island, Rita walked into a Steak & Brew restaurant in Merrick, where she met Michael Plansky, a then off-duty bartender and graduate student. With a charm and wit to match her own, she had found her soulmate. The two wed in 1977.

Michael and Rita started their adventure and amazing partnership together living in Manhattan, where they welcomed their first child, Sara, and where they would stay until 1981 when they moved to Mexico City for a rotational assignment presented by Michael’s employer. In 1983, returning to New York, they moved into a charming Cape Cod Colonial house flanked by dogwood trees on Beach Avenue in Larchmont. This would remain their residence for the next 40 years, and what would be the home for their growing family — two more children, Elizabeth and Daniel.

Upon moving to Larchmont, Rita became an engaged and dedicated member of the community. From PTA involvement to other school-related activities to decades of volunteering at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Food Pantry to her service as a long-standing member of the Mamaroneck Recreation Commission, she always cared about giving back. Her charity and activism did not end at the local level. Rita was passionate about the rights of others; in particular, those in underserved and underprivileged situations. She marched, tirelessly wrote letters and postcards, made endless phone calls, and advocated tenaciously for what she believed was right.

Rita had many interests, including tennis (both watching and playing), learning Italian, traveling (especially to Italy), walking with friends, tending her beautiful garden, watching movies and spending time with family. She was a magnificent cook (to which anyone who had the pleasure of eating one of her delicious meals could attest), an avid reader, and a master of New YorkTimes puzzles.

Rita cared very deeply for her family and was a central figure in the lives of her children and her three cherished grandchildren. She was the most supportive, fun, nurturing, caring, and wonderful wife, mother, and “Gigi.” She was a curious and independent soul who touched every person she met with her charm, intelligence, internal strength, wit, beauty, and positivity. A charitable spirit, she was unendingly selfless, making sure others felt welcome, comfortable, and special whenever she could. She was the perfect combination of pragmatism and hope.She was the best listener and the best friend, full of wisdom, self-reflection, patience, and thoughtful advice. She was a beacon of kindness and had the amazing ability to bring out the absolute best in everyone she came across. The world is a little less bright without her light and we will miss her terribly.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
– Helen Keller

She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael, and their children, Sara, Elizabeth Walden (Alex), and Daniel, and their three beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Hunter, and Cole, who filled her life with joy.

A visitation will be held at the John J. Fox Funeral Home, 2080 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY on November 28, 2023 from 4-7 PM.

Rita requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.