- Date Of Birth: July 16, 1931
- Date Of Death: August 6, 2015
- State: New Jersey
Rita Jacqueline Moore
Rita Jacqueline was born on July 16, 1931 in New York City to the late Frances & William Smith. She grew up with her sister Natalie in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem and attended George Washington High School. After graduating, Rita began her long career in the banking industry, working for such institutions as Bankers Trust, Manufacturers Hanover Trust, and Chemical Bank. In 1964, she married James “Jimmy” Baird, a salesman for the E & J Gallo company. Rita and Jimmy were part of an “in crowd” that included some of Harlem’s most successful movers and shakers. Eventually the Bairds relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey.
Born under the astrological sign of Cancer, Rita had a vivacious, outgoing personality that made her the life of the party. She loved to entertain and on weekends could frequently be found playing hostess to a houseful of friends. At any moment, you might have seen her break out into an impromptu dance number. She enjoyed sunbathing, whether on the beaches of the Caribbean or just on her terrace. She also had a fantastic sense of style. Rita was a “fashionista” long before the term was coined, who would take the latest outfits and add her own special flair. She also had a great eye for interior decorating and when it came to furnishing her Teaneck home, was definitely someone who set the trends rather than followed them.
Rita also enjoyed cooking, gardening and reading. She gave generously to many charities, especially those that helped animals or children. But perhaps her greatest joy was being “Mom” to her sister’s children, Angela and Paul, after Natalie passed away in 1976. She raised Paul from junior high through college, and was always ready to do anything for her “kids” that she was so proud of.
In 2002, years after losing her husband, Rita reconnected with an old friend from the neighborhood, George Moore. They were married and moved to his home in Orlando, Florida where they lived until moving to New Jersey in 2014, to be closer to friends and family. George passed away in February 2015.
Rita leaves behind the following to cherish her loving memory: her nephew, whom she treated like a son, Paul; her niece, Angela; her stepdaughter, Chrystal; her granddaughter, Nia; and a host of dear friends and loved ones, including Ramona, Jacquelyn, Grace, Mirian, Jean, Leslie, Lorraine, Esther, Lillian and many others.
