Search by Name

Search by Name

JOAN RHODES Obituary

RHODES--Joan Black, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by family, in New York City on January 10, 2010. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Joan was born on July 31, 1926, and grew up in New York. She exhibited a remarkable intellect at an early age, and was graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1947. She remained a strong supporter of the college throughout her life. Joan was the loving wife of John Bower Rhodes, who predeceased her, and a devoted parent. She traveled throughout the world, but was particularly attached to her homes and friends in Klosters Switzerland, Nantucket, and New York City. She was an active resident of these communities, and cared deeply about them. She is survived by her three children John Rhodes, Jr., Mark Rhodes, and Lydia Rhodes Petty, as well as eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held this summer in Siasconset, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for JOAN RHODES

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Rhett Currier

January 28, 2010

I recall the first time I saw Joan, it was actually her portrait, and I was taken back by how gorgeous a woman she was. And being around 8 years old, I know I had no way of communicating - Joan Rhodes was a stunning woman.

I told Lydia that the woman in the portrait was stunning. Actually I think I said, "Wow - who is that?" And Lydia said that it was her mother, and that her mother was very smart and very strict. I vowed to fly below her radar.

Our parents dated, as couples do; and they had a great deal of fun. I acted as bartender. I make an excellent scotch and soda.

It was this talent that connected me and Joan. After John died, Joan came to my Mom's Xmas party in NYC. I think it may have been one of her first social outings, and while the crowd was full of 'Sconseters, she was unaccustomed to navigating a room without her husband. I saw the look on her face, and I offered her my arm, and asked if I could make her a drink in the guerilla bar, away from the pressing crowds around the living room bar. She took my arm gratefully and we exchanged a look. I said I know, this is so hard without him. We chatted about John and my Dad, and the kids and the grandkids, we talked about Nantucket and caught up on what everyone was up to. It was small talk, but it was actually very big talk - we talked about all the things that mattered the most.

And that was the night I bonded with Joan.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in JOAN RHODES's name

Memorial Events
for JOAN RHODES

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JOAN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor JOAN RHODES's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more