Anne Fishbein, 82

Anne was born on March 14, 1940, to Nathan and Ella (Stone) Moskowitz in Bronx, New York. After graduating from Forest Hills High School in 1957, she attended Rhode Island College, where she avidly studied nursing, while juggling the care of two young children. Anne earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1978, graduating with honors. She was a proud member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Delta Upsilon Chapter.

Upon graduation, Anne began work as a medical/surgical Registered Nurse at The Miriam Hospital in Providence. Thereafter, Anne embarked on a rewarding 25-year career at Northern Rhode Island Community Services in Woonsocket, where she received special recognition for her dedication in the field of mental illness.

Anne participated in several organizations. She served as vice president of B’nai B’rith International; she was a life member of Hadassah and she was a proud red hat-wearing member of the Red Hatters.

Anne was known and dearly loved for her mischievous, warm and larger-than-life character. Many who had the pleasure of speaking with Anne justifiably questioned whether she was born with a “filter.” Nevertheless, if she ever had one, it had certainly been long-lost somewhere in the Bronx many decades ago, allowing her family and friends to truly enjoy and embrace the gift of her spirited and entertaining personality.

Through the years, Anne enjoyed her adventures while traveling throughout Europe and Canada with her longtime companion, Bruce Decker. After retiring from nursing, she moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, where she had many close and cherished friends, to whom the family is eternally grateful.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, Nathan and Ella Moskowitz, her sister, Rose Zimmerman, her dear cousin, Anne Weiss, and her two beloved cats, Elijah Blue and Solitaire. She is survived by her children, Leslie Fishbein (Thomas Sebestyen) and Richard Fishbein (Roberta); grandchildren (“her chiblings”) Arielle Sebestyen, Dana Sebestyen, Emma Fishbein and Zachary Fishbein; her much-loved cat, “Zach The Cat”; her former spouse, Stanley Fishbein; and countless other loved ones.

Anne was authentic. She was wholehearted. She was truly one-of-a-kind. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.

The family would like to thank the wonderful hospice team at Stillwater Hospice and all the amazing caregivers at Canyon Assisted Living who took such loving care of Anne in her final months, and who also did not bat an eye when we snuck Mongolian Beef and Cherry Garcia Ice Cream in.

Donations may be made to the National Institute of Mental Health or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).