Rhoda Burns Grumet ,76 years old, died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 5, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. Rhoda led a vibrant life with a contagious laugh and was an avid traveler who had her passport and tickets ready to depart on a trip to Morocca this month.
Rhoda was born in Brooklyn New York to Ida (Shore) and James Burns. The oldest of 3 children, Rob (Lynda) Burns and Doug (Ellen) Burns- Rhoda played an active role in arranging family reunions throughout the years to unite cousins on the west and east coasts. Rhoda graduated from Baldwin High School on Long Beach Island and graduated from a Registered Nursing School in Southhampton New York. Rhoda continued her education at University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California. During her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Rhoda attended a wedding where she met her future husband, F. Carl Grumet M.D. This marriage brought a brother-in-law George and his wife Barbara Grumet who became known as Rhoda's "twin sister" from different parents.
Rhoda is survived by 3 daughters: Amy (John) Connolly of Palo Alto, Jill Lauren of Santa Cruz and Nancy (Devin) Prouty of Menlo Park, 9 Grandchildren: Zac and Jeremy Rosenbaum, Abby and Caleb Prouty, Taylor and Sydney Giniezcki and Mark, Elena and Ahna Connolly, a Great Aunt , 2 brothers ,1 brother in law, her "twin sister" and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Rhoda's professional work included a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Stanford, developing the Recruitment Department of the Stanford Blood Center and Administrative Director Positions at both Stanford Blood Center and Irwin Memorial Blood Bank in San Francisco. Rhoda was a dedicated, dynamic volunteer and served as the President of the Sequoia Chapter of Hadassah, on the Board of the Beth Longwell Foundation, volunteered to assist with Anti- Human Trafficking Programs and volunteered at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Menlo Park. Rhoda's favorite people included her family and dear friends. Rhoda's favorite local places included time spent at the beach and near West Cliff in Santa Cruz. Rhoda's hobbies included cooking, knitting, fly fishing, water skiing with her most recent water skiing trip on her 70th birthday, book club, a mahjohng group and spoiling her grandchildren.
Rhoda's passion for life was contagious. Rhoda was discretely generous with others in need. Memorial donations can be made to:
Sequoia Chapter of Hadassah 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto CA 94303
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) (http://www.aipac.org/act/donate)
Beth Longwell Foundation PO Box 50457, Palo Alto CA 94303
American Cancer Society PO Box 22478 Oklahoma city, OK 73123
Stomp the Monster PO Box 521 Marlboro, NJ 07746
Congregation Beth Am 26790 Arastradero Rd., Los Altos CA 94022
Memorial services were held at Congregation Beth Am on December 8, 2017.