RHONDA LOUISE FEDUCK

FEDUCK, RHONDA LOUISE October 20, 1953 - March 31, 2023 Rhonda Feduck, Roni, Roni-Lou, Rhonda Kristi, Help Me Rhonda, Mom; Rhonda was all these and a few more. She grew up in Lake Erie's Port Colborne as the second of six children of William "Bill" Feduck and Dorothy Feduck (née Coghlan). Rhonda is survived by her sons, Matthew Dick (Masa) and Benjamin Dick of Toronto; her five siblings, Randy Feduck (Jan) of Elora, Mark Feduck (Marie) of Wainfleet, Todd Feduck (Terry) of Prince George, Jill Johnston of Port Colborne and Luann Feduck (Lawrence) of Morinville; her partner, Dan Smith of Toronto; his sons, Patrick Smith (Liz) and Francis Wellesley; her ex-husband, Peter Dick; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins. Family was Rhonda's anchor, always. She clung to every far-flung birth, drama and milestone. But Port Colborne never had a chance of keeping her. Soon after Port High and New York City and backpacking Europe, it was down the QEW to Toronto and the high-wire life of a young, working actress. Rhonda's stage, film and television credits as Rhonda Kristi include appearing in Saint Carmen of the Main at Tarragon. The list is long. She is most recognized still by the younger set for playing pregnant Spike's supportive mom in Degrassi Junior High. Matthew arrived in 1990; Benjamin in 1997. Rhonda pursued a variety of gigs, including her organizing and cleaning service, Help Me Rhonda. She remained a passionate supporter of live theatre, jazz, dance and film. She nurtured old friendships and built layers of new ones. Few who knew the Value Village fashionista foresaw a late-life love of the Bruce Trail. She was feisty. You did not casually double-dog-dare Rhonda to do anything. C. S. Lewis wrote of his lost wife in A Grief Observed: "She liked more things and liked them more than anyone I have known." Precisely. In mid-January, an abdominal ailment was abruptly diagnosed as advanced cancer. She handled those final weeks with all her Rhonda grace, humour and spirit in full flower. She died peacefully in her sons' arms on March 31, 2023, in Sunnybrook Hospital's palliative wing. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received there and at Michael Garron Hospital, particularly from the nurses, staff and doctors attached to Sunnybrook's Acute Care Ward C2, where Rhonda spent most of March. You folks are amazing. Cremation has taken place. A Toronto memorial will be held later this year, with the date to be determined. Condolences, photos and memorial notification requests can be shared at: www.etouch.ca