Rhoda Sirner

My mom and dad shared 48 and a half years of marriage, a bond rooted in commitment, faith, and devotion to family. Together, they built a life guided by hard work, perseverance, and love. Growing up in Skokie, Illinois, Sundays were always family days-moments that reminded us how important it is to cherish one another and be present for the blessings we are given.

Mom and Dad also worked side by side, running our family business, Leo's Menswear, for 50 years. Their partnership was a reflection of the values they lived by—trust, loyalty, and dedication. Later, when they made the decision to move our family and business to Florida, it marked a new chapter filled with warmth, growth, and opportunity. Since 1972, Florida truly became home, and Mom embraced that life with joy.

My mom had a heart filled with compassion, especially for God's creatures. Over the years, she lovingly cared for 16 cats. Her last companion, China, would sit beside her on the couch and listen to music with her. Even now, China seems to sense her absence, quietly searching for the comfort she once knew. It reminds us how deeply my mom loved and how deeply she was loved in return.

Mom found joy in simple, meaningful routines. She faithfully watched As the World Turns for many years, and she and my dad enjoyed sharing time together watching Florida Marlins games. These moments, though ordinary, were sacred in their own way-times of connection, laughter, and peace.

The last six and a half years of Mom's life brought challenges as she lived with chronic dementia and needed full-time care. Yet even in that season, God's grace surrounded her.

We were blessed with caregivers-Almira, Espi, and Ruth-who treated her with patience, dignity, and kindness. They were truly angels in our lives, keeping her mind active with puzzles, dominoes, and Bingo. Mom had an amazing spirit-she could play three Bingo cards at once and still win. She also loved word-search puzzles, finishing book after book with determination and joy.

Since the age of 80, Mom endured six surgeries, each time showing remarkable resilience and strength. About two month ago, she suffered a cardiac episode and required a pacemaker. While the procedure itself was successful, her body had endured enough. She never fully awakened, became bedridden, and gently began her journey home. Surrounded by care and love, she was placed in hospice, where she found peace.

Today, we trust that she is no longer struggling, no longer confined by illness, but resting in God's eternal embrace. Her spirit is whole, her mind is clear, and she is reunited with love beyond our understanding.

I will miss my mom more than words can express. I will always love her and carry her memory in my heart. I am deeply grateful to God for blessing me with such a beautiful mother and for the precious moments we shared.

Mom, thank you for your love, your strength, and your faith. Until we meet again, may you rest in eternal peace.

A Funeral Service will be held at Star of David Memorial Chapel, Main Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, US, on March 10, 2026, at 2:45 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Garden of Star of David , 7701 Bailey Rd, North Lauderdale, FL 33068, US, on March 10, 2026, at 3:15 pm.

Rhoda’s final resting place is Garden of Star of David at Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Rd, North Lauderdale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jewish National Fund | Plant Trees in Israel at https://www.jnf.org/.