Rita J. Waulters Sweisgood, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, and avid Gator fan, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 91. Rita was born in Milwaukee, Wi. and lived in Indiana and California before returning to the Midwest to attend the University of Wisconsin. Rita married a Navy pilot and moved to Japan where her son, Greg Schaeffer was born. The family then moved to Iceland, where her son, David Schaeffer was born. It was during this time that Rita’s love of travel and exploration was ignited. Rita and her family eventually settled in Florida, and she knew that she never wanted to leave.
After her divorce, Rita managed a boutique in the Avondale district in Jacksonville and went back to college. Rita married Bill Sweisgood and moved to Orange Park, Florida. It was during this time that Rita attended her first Gator game and became their biggest fan. Rita and Bill had daughter, Mary Sweisgood (Brisk) and a few years later, Rita graduated in the University of North Florida’s first graduating class.
Rita began her career in teaching with the Head Start and Follow Through programs in Jacksonville. She then taught 1st & 2nd grade at Charles E. Bennet in Green Cove Springs. Five years later, she transferred to Ridgeview Elementary where she initially taught 3rd grade before taking over the Extended Studies (Gifted) Program. Rita loved teaching Gifted and remained in this position until she retired. Rita was instrumental in bringing the successful Enterprise Station program to Ridgeview and was passionate about teaching her students real life skills that were not taught in a traditional classroom setting. Many of her students kept in touch with her over the years, which is a testament to the impact that she made on their lives.
Rita and Bill’s retirement plans were to move to Vilano Beach and to travel the world. Unfortunately, Bill passed away soon after he retired. Rita retired a few years later and set out to do what she and her late husband had planned. She moved to the beach and traveled to almost every country on her bucket list. While not traveling, Rita loved spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren who she adored. Rita continued her devotion to the Florida Gators throughout her lifetime and attended games for over fifty years. Her children would often answer a call from her after a winning game to hear her yell an ecstatic “Go Gators!” She lived life to the fullest and enriched our lives immeasurably. She will be deeply missed.
Rita Sweisgood was preceded in death by her parents Marie and Glen Walters, brothers Glen and Gary Waulters, husband Bill Sweisgood, and grandson Michael Schaeffer. She is survived by her sons, Greg (Dee) Schaeffer and David (Nancy) Schaeffer; daughter, Mary (Nick Brisk) Sweisgood-Brisk; grandchildren, Savannah Schaeffer, Cole Schaeffer, Will Schaeffer, William Brisk, and Emma Brisk; and great-grandchild, Ben Schaeffer.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Rita’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www. stjude.org/donate), North Florida Community Hospice (www. thefoundationcares.org/give), or S.A.F.E Animal Shelter (www.safeanimalshelter.com).
