RHODA BROWNSTEIN

BROWNSTEIN, RHODA WIESENBERG Rhoda Wiesenberg Brownstein, mother, wife, educator, realtor extraordinaire and bon vivant, died peacefully at home in New Haven on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. She was 88. Rhoda was born on October 6, 1925 to Helen Weiss Wiesenberg and William Maurice Wiesenberg in New York City, New York. In 1955 she married New Haven native and attorney, Gerald William Brownstein, who died in 1976. She was later predeceased by her son, Andrew Bernard Brownstein, and her younger brother, William James. Rhoda received an A.B. in Political Science at Hunter College, an M.S. in Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University, and was a doctoral candidate in Education at New York University. After a short career as a fashion buyer, Rhoda served as a 5th grade public school teacher in Brooklyn, NY. Returning to work after her husband died, she was a researcher at the Yale Television Research Center. Following this, she became a highly successful realtor with the H. Pearce Company, retiring at the age of 80. Of all of Rhoda’s achievements, however, her proudest were as a loving wife and mother. She is survived by daughter Anne Jessica Brownstein and partner Michael H. Kehrer of Long Beach, NY; son Michael Mark Brownstein, daughter-in-law Judith Schaechter and grandaughter Alana of Arlington, MA. She also leaves her first cousin Daniel Dorff of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law Susan Brownstein Grody, brother-in-law Marvin Grody, and nephews Jeffrey Grody and Miles Grody, and niece Erica Levens, and several great-nephews and nieces. Rhoda brought light, wisdom and humor to family, friends and all whom she met. Ever curious, she adored travel, music and art and created memorable home gatherings. Although she faced many challenges throughout her life, she surmounted all with grace and style. She was well-loved by many. Her life was truly a life well-lived. Funeral service at the B’nai Jacob Memorial Park, Wintergreen Ave., New Haven, CT, Thursday at 2:00pm. Donations in the memory of Rhoda W. Brownstein may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. The Weller Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT is in charge of the arrangements. To sign a memorial book, please visit: www.wellerfuneralhome.com. www.wellerfuneralhome.com.