Rhoda Winkelman's Obituary
Rhoda Anne Winkelman, a beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Born to a life filled with love, dedication, and cherished relationships, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that will forever inspire those who knew her.
Rhoda was predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. Seymour A. Winkelman, with whom she shared a life of friendship, partnership and shared values for over 50 years. Together, they built a family rooted in love, respect, and Jewish values.
A lifelong avid reader and lover of the English language and literature, Rhoda’s passion for words shaped much of her life. After raising her family, she returned to school at the age of 50, where she attained her Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English education. She realized her lifelong dream of becoming an English teacher, a role she cherished for ten years until retiring at the age of 65. A lover of words in all forms, Rhoda was well known as a crossword puzzle whiz, a writer of fiction, and a Scrabble champion, pursuits that brought her great joy and inspired those around her.
Rhoda was a lifelong Zionist dedicated to the land of Israel and the Jewish people. She joined the Women’s Zionist Organization Hadassah, first as a "Hadassah Bud" at the age of 11, and maintained her participation throughout her lifetime. She was rewarded with a life membership and continued to serve as secretary and treasurer for her local chapter (Venetian Isles, Boynton Beach), until her late 80s.
Rhoda’s love of music and her beautiful singing voice were gifts she shared generously. She had a natural talent for singing, and her voice brought comfort and joy to her family. Whether it was a Yiddish niggun, a show tune, or modern melody, Rhoda’s appreciation for music knew no boundaries.
She is survived by her two children, Dr. Warren Winkelman and Shari Winkelman, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her devotion and unconditional love for her grandchildren, Jennifer and Samantha Greenstein, have left a treasure chest of blessed and joyous memories for them, and their lives are forever enriched by their grandmother’s wisdom, warmth, empathy, love and guidance. Rhoda’s nieces and grand-nieces, Bonnie, Ilene, Marlene, Jacqueline, Beth, and Shelby, will all deeply miss her presence and the unique bond she shared with each of them. She will be especially missed by her son-in-law, Jason, with whom she shared a deep and cherished friendship.
Funeral services to honor Rhoda’s life will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach, Florida, at 1:45 PM on Thursday, January 23rd, followed by burial services at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, also in Boynton Beach. Shiva will be observed at the homes of her son, Warren, in New York City, NY, and her daughter, Shari, in Lutherville-Timonium, MD, providing an opportunity for family and friends to come together in remembrance and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rhoda’s memory to Hadassah (www.hadassah.org).
Rhoda’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of kindness. She will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
What’s your fondest memory of Rhoda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rhoda?
Share a story where Rhoda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rhoda you’ll never forget.
How did Rhoda make you smile?
