Rhea Flora Jacobs

Rhea Flora Jacobs (nee Tobias), 88, died on June 1, 2022 at Montefiore Nyack Hospital as a result of a sudden and catastrophic fall that occurred the day before at Brightview Lake Tappan. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, she was the daughter of Anna and Malcolm Tobias.

Rhea lived a complete life, filled with love, loss, family, friendships and adventure. At age fourteen, she took the subway to Times Square to seek a part time job. She was hired by the Planters Peanut store, a job that resulted in a lifetime love of nuts. At 18, during the summer of 1952, she met the love of her life, Murray Jacobs, at Shorehaven Country Club. From the moment they met, they were inseparable soulmates marrying in 1954. Together they built a home and a life in Orangeburg, New York moving there with their son Charles in 1960. Daughter Laura arrived in 1961 and son Andrew followed in 1963. Rhea’s life was centered around family, friends and community, including the Orangetown Jewish Center. While raising her children and managing the household, Rhea worked as a part time bookkeeper and income tax preparer. Rhea loved going to Broadway shows, museums, Wildwood New Jersey, cookouts, and family gatherings, as well as visiting with friends and family. Over time she became the matriarch of the extended Jacobs family, which also included the children of many of her deceased friends.

The couple was completely devoted to each other until Murray, at age 91, passed away in 2019, after 65 years of marriage. Rhea said that Murray’s passing was too soon, and she was right. After Murray’s death, she carried on, missing her husband and her daughter Laura, who had predeceased her in 2018. Rhea did not let her losses stop her from living a full and independent life. In the weeks preceding her death, Rhea attended several weddings, a granddaughter’s graduation, a niece’s bridal shower, two grandchildren’s high school prom send off, and a Mother’s Day barbeque, in addition to Brightview activities.

Rhea is survived by her son Charles (Elizabeth) Jacobs, son Andrew Jacobs (Kate Kulpa), son-in-law David Fiderer, and grandchildren Hilary (Nicholas) Bolash, Bradley Jacobs, Jennie Jacobs, Dylan Jacobs, Carolina Jacobs, Haley Fiderer, Jordan Fiderer, step grandson Jason Fiderer and many loving nieces and nephews. Rhea was predeceased by her beloved husband, Murray and her daughter, Laura Fiderer, and her parents Anna and Malcolm Tobias.

Funeral services will be held graveside Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 am at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, New Jersey. Memorial contributions in Rhea’s memory may be made to the Orangetown Jewish Center.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hellmanmemorial.com for the Jacobs family.