Rhoda Benjamin ,72, of Orange - wife of Don Benjamin for 44 happy years- passed away at home with her family at her side on Aug. 5 from Merkel Cell Carcinoma after a long 7 year battle. Rhoda was raised in New Haven and Orange graduating from Hillhouse High School in 1955, Univ. of Bridgeport and Mass. Eye and Ear Hospital. She worked as a Certified Orthoptist (eye therapist) at Yale New Haven Hospital and for several area Ophthalmologist's for 49 years. Rhoda is survived by her husband Don, their son Eric and wife Tracy Benjamin and grandchildren Ethan and Andrew of Cheshire, her daughter Caryn Benjamin of Mesa, AZ and her sister Hyla Miller of Scottsdale, AZ. Rhoda's deceased parents were Mollie and lrving lnventasch - owners of lrving's Variety Store on Legion Ave for many years. Rhoda enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, travel and a gourmet cooking group where she made friendships that have lasted years and years. Rhoda's family would like to thank most especially nurse Barbara and all the staff at MOH for their patience, help, understanding and concern during this long struggle and nurse Karen of Hospice.

Funeral Service at the Cong. Or Shalom Synagogue, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange, CT., Sunday afternoon at 12:30 PM. The interment will be in the Beth Israel Cemetery, Derby-Milford Rd., Orange. Period of mourning will be observed at the Benjamin residence, 330 Wildwood Dr., Orange, CT., through Wednesday evening.  Memorial contributions may be made to Huntington's Disease Society of America, 101 Deer Run Dr., Colchester, CT 06445  or Or Shalom Synagogue, Rhoda Benjamin Special Fund, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange, CT 06477.

Directions to Congregation Or Shalom. [2]