Rhoda Perlman

Perlman, Rhoda A Celebration of Life. Age 97, passed away April 8th, 2011. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago. After graduation, Rhoda returned to New York City to work as a buyer for Sears, even though she had just received a marriage proposal from her future husband, Harry. They communicated daily via the special telegram of the day. When Rhoda returned to Chicago, she married Harry, and helped him in the luggage business. They were married for more than 50 years. When Rhoda moved to Highland Park, IL, she obtained her real estate broker's license and opened Lakeside Realty-all while raising two children. As a successful businesswoman, she mentored many women who became agents in her office. Also, Rhoda was the first woman president of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. She initiated the popular sidewalk sale event, even though the mayor opposed it. Rhoda's great passion was the theater. She was a founding board member of both Steppenwolf and Apple Tree Theaters. She taught theater classes and was very involved with summer stock and local community theaters. Rhoda acted, directed, and produced numerous plays. She also took many of her one-act productions to the State of Illinois finals. After Rhoda retired from real estate, she became involved with the Senior Producers at the local cable station. She produced and hosted Cuisine Scene for more than ten years. Rhoda researched new restaurants, bakeries, and wine cellars and invited the different chefs and owners to be on the program. Rhoda interviewed each one and made them feel as if their establishment was the best for food, wine, or baked treats. In her early 90s, Rhoda worked summers in the information booth in Highland Park, assisting visitors by giving them expert advice as to where they would make the best purchases and would describe the different restaurants in the area. Most of all, Rhoda had a phenomenal memory for people and places. She always remembered everyone's names and what they were doing as well as asking about their families. Rhoda loved to travel the world with her family and used the Internet for planning trips and for keeping in touch with her friends via email. She also loved reading and talking about politics. When Rhoda was younger, she was a member of the League of Women Voters and said it was important to be involved with local, city, state, and world affairs. She kept up with political discussions until a few weeks before her death. Most of all, Rhoda was larger than life and always wanted the best for her family and her friends. She was a star. Memorials in her memory can be sent to, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025.