Rhoda Joy Ellenbogen Waas' Obituary
Rhoda Joy Ellenbogen Waas, 98, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 25, 2024. Rhoda is predeceased by her beloved husband George and her dear son Mitchel. She is survived by her loving children Diane, Cinthia (Nicholas), Elizabeth (Sam), and grandchildren Jason and Holly (Kahli).
Rhoda was born and grew up in the Bronx, NY, and moved to NJ after marriage to raise her family. She and George relocated to S. Florida in 1966, and she ended up spending more than 50 years as a Florida resident. As an undergraduate, she studied nursing at Hunter and Wagner Colleges and became a visiting nurse in NYC. Later, she received her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Barry University.
Rhoda and George traveled a great deal throughout Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the US. Following George’s passing, she continued to travel and see the world on cruises and other domestic and foreign trips.
Rhoda was a true exercise aficionado. She loved daily aerobics classes, Zumba, and country and western line dancing. When she moved to Hilton Head, she took up yoga, as well.
Rhoda also kept herself mentally engaged. She read and did sudoku, crosswords, and other word puzzles to keep her mind sharp. She was always filled with pride when people were invariably astonished to learn her actual age.
She was able to enjoy an extended celebration for her 98th birthday, surrounded by loving family and friends just six weeks ago. We are so grateful that she lived such a long and wonderful life. She was truly a role model for us all. Chapel Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Levitt-Weinstein Beth David Chapel located 3201 N 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024. Arrangement by Levitt Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert (305) 932-2700
The family request that donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Rhoda https://www.heart.org/
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