Rhoda Shemin

1931 - 2023

Rhoda Shemin, of Greenwich, CT, and also formerly of Boca Raton, FL, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 22, at the age of 92, with her daughters nearby. She was born on August 11, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, to Louis and Frances (Benjamin) Zisman. Rhoda graduated from Syracuse University, where she majored in Fine Arts, received a teaching certification, and met her husband of 57 years, Emanuel "Manny" (who passed away in 2009). Manny grew the small family nursery business begun by his father in the Bronx, into the nation's first "one stop" wholesale nursery distributor, Shemin Nurseries, with 30 centers in the U.S. and Holland. Rhoda helped design and buy the nursery's pottery in Italy and China.

Rhoda was a volunteer, dedicated to the Jewish community, continuity, and education. Rhoda and Manny were early leading members and generous contributors to Temple Sholom in Greenwich for over 60 years; supported the Great Synagogue of Rome, Italy; and sponsored the annual Shemin Trialogue at Florida Atlantic University for fostering communication between Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Rhoda also sponsored other philanthropic endeavors, including at Syracuse University, where she was on the Board of the Department of Fine Arts, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art, where she was a patron.

Rhoda had a love of learning, especially related to Judaism, antiques, history, and the Italian language. Rhoda was certified as an interior designer and was known for her creative tastes and talents in the arts, especially in fashion and furniture. She was a world traveler and became expert in collecting antiques, especially from England, Italy and France. She served as a substitute teacher in the Greenwich, CT and Rye Brook, NY school systems.

Nonetheless, Rhoda frequently said that her proudest accomplishment was raising four strong, capable, and independent daughters, which gave her the greatest pleasure. Rhoda was a devoted wife and a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and the epitome of grace and elegance. She will be greatly missed by all.

Rhoda is survived by her four daughters, Sara Cass, Suzanne Katz, Grace Goldstein, and Leslie Lester; three sons-in-law, Stuart Katz, Louis Goldstein, and Andrew Lester; 10 grandchildren, William (Maya) and Sam Cass; Rachel (Seth) Forman, Harrison (Lauren ) and Alex Katz; Jonathan and Abigail Goldstein; and Rebecca Lester (David) Zaitz, Aaron Lester, and Hannah; nine great-grandchildren – so far; and three sisters-in-law, Sima Zisman, Elsie Roth, and Ina Bass.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT. Shiva for family and friends will be on Sunday, August 27 at 12:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Leslie Lester, 68 Byram Ridge Road, Armonk, NY; and on Monday, August 28, at 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Suzanne Katz, 128 Davenport Drive, Stamford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate in Rhoda's memory can please consider Temple Sholom in Greenwich, CT, or UJA-JCC of Greenwich (United Jewish Appeal).