RHODA CHESTER

CHESTER, RHODA
(nee GLADE), 93
Rhoda Chester (nee Glade) 'Safta' died peacefully at the age of 93 on July 6, 2015, in Summit, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family. Rhoda is survived by her children, Dr. Douglas L. Chester (Union, NJ), Terry L. Chester (Gainesville, FL), and Suzanne Chester (Gainesville, FL), ten grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Edward Chester, her son, HB Chester, and her older brother, Marvin Glade.
Rhoda Chester was born on April 6, 1922, in the Bronx, NY. She graduated from James Madison High School, Brooklyn, NY, lived most of her life in Jersey City, NJ, and for the last thirty years resided in Gainesville, FL. Rhoda dedicated her life to working for many volunteer organizations, including Hadassah, the Sherman Avenue Talmud Torah and it's Women's Auxiliary in Jersey City, NJ, the Haven Hospice and Congregation B'nai Israel and it's Sisterhood all of Gainesville, FL. She was named a 'Woman of Valor' by Hadassah and the 'Woman of the Year' by the Sherman Avenue Talmud Torah. She led a variety of fundraising projects including several gift shops, thrift shops, dinner dances, and bake sales.
Rhoda was a strong social advocate for equality and justice for everyone. She was devoted to working with children and the continuance of Jewish education and Zionist endeavors.
She believed in speaking her mind and did so often and honestly. Rhoda strongly believed that every generation needed to pave the way for future generations. She maintained Jewish, family traditions while adapting to current views and technologies.
Rhoda loved to dance, read, had a great appreciation for nature and the environment, and spent time creating beautiful handcrafted works of art and culinary delights. She was completely dedicated to her family, to serve and protect them, exemplified the power of love and compassion, and created numerous recipes to suit everyone's tastes and ideologies.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Gainesville, FL, Chapter of Hadassah, and to Chavaya! and/or the Friendship Circle at Congregation B'nai Israel, Gainesville, FL.
Funeral services will be held 10:30AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield, NJ, followed by burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Fairview, NJ. Funeral arrangements are by Ross' Shalom Chapels, 415 Morris Ave., Springfield, N.J. 07081.