Rhoda Abrams

Rhoda Abrams, beloved sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, in Maryland at the age of 90. Born on February 14, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, Rhoda brought warmth and kindness into the world from the very beginning—a true Valentine in every sense.

After graduating from Boston University, Rhoda moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where she would build a fulfilling life and career. After several years working at the newly formed Peace Corps' Washington headquarters, she spent decades serving the public through her work at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). There, she played a pivotal role in establishing public health clinics nationwide to address the needs of underserved populations. Rhoda was also instrumental in other initiatives as a means to make health insurance more affordable and accessible. While working at HSS, Rhoda earned an MBA from Loyola University, Baltimore. She would later teach graduate students at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shortly before and then after retiring from her career with the federal government. Through her determination to make health care attainable for all, her work has had a lasting impact nationwide.

Rhoda made her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where she formed deep roots and countless cherished friendships. She was known for living life to the fullest, rarely missing a ballet, opera, play, or Washington Wizards game. Her passions also included for travel, skiing, tennis, bridge, Jewish studies, and treasured time with her beach house group. As a second grandmother to her nieces' children, Rhoda could frequently be found cheering on the sidelines of sporting events and other school activities. Her kind and friendly spirit drew people to her, and many of her friendships spanned decades. Her loved ones often described her as steadfast, generous, and ever-supportive.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Sandi (Abrams) Tucker; her beloved nieces, Amy Carroll (Harley) and Jodi Tucker (Tim Hughes); great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Rhoda was indeed a second mother and grandmother, giving and receiving the love of her whole family. Rhoda's family and friends will forever hold her in their hearts, deeply grateful for the love, wisdom, and joy she brought into their lives.

A funeral in Rhoda's honor will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, 7727 Persimmon Tree Lane, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.