Rhea Caras

March 2, 1959 – October 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026, Rhea Caras passed away after 67 years of a full and vibrant life.

Rhea was born on March 2, 1959 in Los Angeles and spent her early years in Palos Verdes Estates and Westwood. She attended The Westlake School for Girls before transferring to Palos Verdes High School her junior year. She was the first born of Chris William Caras and Joan Caras (Georggin), the children of Greek immigrants.

As the daughter of Greek parents, Rhea was given the name Soteria. In religious terms, the name means salvation. In the Greek vernacular, the word soteria classically referred to physical survival as in a sailor surviving a storm or a patient surviving an illness. The name provides inspiration to family and friends who witnessed the gallant and steadfast manner in which Rhea grasped the difficult circumstances that she faced.

Beneath the veil of a slight build and understated demeanor, Rhea possessed an intellect, drive, and inner strength that very few possess.

As a young child, on a family vacation, Rhea happened upon Stanford and set her sights on the university. Rhea became the valedictorian at Palos Verdes High School in 1977 and subsequently attended her dream school. After graduating from Stanford, Rhea attended law school at the University of Southern California where she met her husband Pat Rendón. She graduated from law school in 1985 and effortlessly achieved the highest grades in her favorite classes. On those Saturdays when Stanford faced USC in the Colosseum, Rhea could be found in the stands cheering on the Stanford football team against an overwhelming wave of USC fans.

In law school, Rhea was drawn to intellectual property well before it became popularized by the advent of the internet age. Confident in her abilities, Rhea rejected coveted offers at prestigious law firms that did not have intellectual property practices and instead joined a small boutique firm which specialized in the practice. When larger firms came to recognize the indispensable need for an intellectual property practice, Rhea continued her practice there.

Rhea left private practice and joined Nissan North America’s law department so that she could focus on her primary interest and joy – being a mother to her children. Rhea raised her family in Palos Verdes Estates.

Before retiring from Nissan in 2006, Rhea was responsible for managing the company’s intellectual property matters ranging from patents to trademarks to brand development. Rhea was a founding member of Nissan’s Global Trademark Management Committee where she advised the company on global brand strategies and protection.

When Rhea was diagnosed with inoperable Stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2023, her prognosis was one of months. In keeping with her nature and refusing to acquiesce to the prognosis, Rhea thoroughly vetted the existing clinical trial programs that best matched her genetics and honed in on the most promising one.

Rhea was far from the ideal candidate for a clinical trial where there is a need for unadulterated data. In the decades before, Rhea had survived three separate encounters with breast cancer and had undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She underwent similar treatments after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Undeterred by this history, Rhea’s tenacity led to her admission into the trial program. This past August, the trial drug became the first FDA-approved KRAS-targeted oral tablet for metastatic pancreatic cancer. This may mark the establishment of a new standard of care.

The trial drug gave Rhea invaluable and much appreciated additional years of life, of which she took full advantage with her family and friends who were well aware of the gift which had been given. The trial drug allowed Rhea and her family to enjoy trips to France, Japan, Colorado, and Hawaii. Rhea’s and the drug’s success were highlighted by the New York Times: How an ‘Impossible’ Idea Led to a Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough. Regrettably, Rhea’s disease became resistant to the drug.

Rhea was always there for her husband and their children, Christopher and Sophia. The support and love which Rhea provided to her family was boundless and will never be filled. Rhea was much loved by her many friends, old and new alike. They cherished her kindness, giving nature, sense of humor, and infectious laugh.

Rhea is survived by her family, mother, and siblings Stacy Caras Tempereau and Chris Caras and their families.

The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Avenue in Los Angeles. Rhea and Pat married thirty-eight years ago at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on October 22, 1988. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the St. Sophia Foundation – College Scholarship Fund.