Thea Rubin

Thea D. Rubin passed away peacefully in her sleep at her cherished home in Atlantic Beach, where she lived for nearly 50 years, on September 22, 2025, surrounded by love and the enduring warmth of a life well-lived.

Born in Brooklyn to Anna and Abe Wendrow, Thea was the youngest of three children and was predeceased by her beloved older sister Phoebe and brother Morty. She was also a devoted sister-in-law to Sylvia, Herbie, Alan, Cheryl and Sharon. She married the love of her life, William “Billy” Rubin, in 1952. Their devoted marriage of 54 years was filled with partnership, joy, and unwavering support until Billy’s passing in 2006.

Together, Thea and Billy raised their three boys, Andrew, Richard, and Curt on Long Island, later relocating to Northbrook, Illinois, where they lived for over 30 years while maintaining their treasured summer home in Atlantic Beach—a place that Thea returned to permanently after Billy's death.

Thea was the deeply devoted and cherished mother of Andrew, Margery, Richard, Patty, Curt, and Janis, and the proud grandmother of David, Francesca, Danny, Conor, Haley, Ian, Jonathan, Lindsay, Matthew, Annie, Jason, Brian, and Leslie. She was also a doting great-grandmother to Wyatt, Caroline, Leo, Robbie, and Nico. She was a beloved aunt to Harvey, Abby, Janis, Amy, Adam, and Daryl, and great-aunt to Heather, Jason, Adam, Suzanne, and Michael and a dear friend to many whose lives she touched with kindness, warmth, and good humor.

A lifelong athlete and game-player, Thea loved tennis and cross-country skiing. She was also an avid Canasta and Mah Jong player and never passed up a good match of backgammon with friends or family. She didn’t like to lose! She loved gardening and crocheting blankets and scarves for the people she loved. Known for her boundless energy, her wisdom, and her gift for thoughtful conversation, Thea was always just a phone call away—ready to offer advice, a listening ear, or a hearty laugh.

Though her family was spread across the country, Thea had a magnetism that brought everyone together. Her home was the hub of family gatherings, laughter, storytelling, and celebration.

True to her loving and caring spirit, Thea volunteered her time at an Alzheimer’s center during her years in Illinois.

Thea’s life was one of strength, compassion, and deep connection. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she enriched—and in the love, stories, and traditions she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.