Sister. Witness. Author

The Voice Behind the Legacy

Meet Rita, the sister who transformed a hospital-room promise into a timeless testimony of faith.

The life and mission of Rita, the woman who refused to let “Tin Can Lizzie’s” story be forgotten.

About the Author

Rita was born on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. Life was a lot different for her and her siblings, growing up with parents who were DEAF and that used American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. Rita and her family struggled to survive in an impoverished world and endured many difficulties. TIME was the enemy in their lives because they had to struggle, wondering how they would have enough food to get through the next day.

Rita went to Cleveland High School, where she met her husband, Dennis; they married in May 1965 and later raised two children, Pam and Chris. She worked as an interpreter for the DEAF Community to earn money to fulfill her fondest dream of attending college, becoming a teacher for the DEAF, and reaching out to all children with disabilities.

She attended Cleveland State University and Akron University. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree, Master of Arts degree, and Doctorate at Kent State University. She became a teacher for the Deaf and other children with disabilities and went on to School Administration.

She has published work in Education in Literacy for children with disabilities. She was inspired to write her first book about her sister’s life and the amazing stories her sister shared with her during the last few days of her life. Today, Rita resides in Broadview Heights, Ohio, with her husband, Dennis.