Rita E. Fisher

passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at her home in Poulsbo, Washington. She was born on May 17, 1934 and was 81 years of age.Mother, wife, friend and mentor, Rita Fisher always had time for everyone. Born Rita Erickson in Wisconsin in the middle of the Depression, her family moved to Salinas, California when she was a baby. It was here that she was raised, graduating from Salinas High School in 1951. Rita went on to attend San Jose State College, graduating in 1955.Rita taught Kindergarten and First Grade in San Francisco, San Bernadino and Scramento, with an annual review from 1961 stating she was a 'master teacher with a classroom that showed thoughtful planning'.Rita met George Anderson "Andy" Fisher in San Bernardino in 1956. They married in December, 1960, remaining devoted to each other for over 57 years until she died, holding his hand, 26 November 2015.Rita and Andy raised their four children on Bainbridge Island, participating in the Island Food Co-op in the 1970s, the formative years of the Island Recycling Center, and serving on the Board of the Island Farmer's Market. Together they tenaciously farmed their Northern facing Sunnyhopes Farm near Island Center for 27 years whilst each holding full time work off the Island. Nothing made Rita more happy than the years when her garden flourished with abundance - which was most of years she farmed it.There was always an extra place or two at Rita's table, and she welcomed those who needed a warm meal and friendly conversation. She was an accomplished cook, never afraid to experiment, and her guests still rave about the extraordinary meals they shared with Rita and her family.Rita Erickson Fisher is survived by her husband George 'Andy' Fisher and children Anne (Seward), Alice (Karrin), Mary (Gerard), and Eric (Thea), as well as five grandchildren, Samantha (Chad), Rosie (Graham), Sarah, Harley and Beatrix, and two great-grandchildren, Haylee and Braylen.We remember her as a wonderful, generous person with the gift of a green thumb and an ear that never tired of listening. Rita will be missed.The Graveside Service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Port Blakely Cemetery on Old Mill Road on Bainbridge Island. (Click here for directions). Please sign the online Guest Book for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.