Marion Veronica Rhode

Marion V. Rhode was born January 29, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY. She ran the neighborhood with her lifelong friends Joan, Joanie and Ann Marie. Marion grew up fast, worked hard, eventually married and had four daughters. In 1978, when her mother needed her care, she left everything that was familiar to her and moved herself and her children to Naples, Florida. In Naples she made new lifelong friends, worked hard and eventually married again. Ramon (Ray) Rhode was the love of her life. Ray gave her love, friendship, comfort and incredible joy. He preceded her death in 2007. She was also preceded by her mother, all seven siblings, and too many friends and family members to count. Marion will be missed by many but especially missed by her girls. While growing up with little, she taught them much- especially that they were “enough”; more than good enough, smart enough and resourceful enough to be able to accomplish anything they set their minds to. While she sometimes struggled with self-doubt, she gave her daughters, and countless others, the breadth and depth of support they needed when they needed it most. Her daughters Niquette (Niki), Jamie, Alexandra (Ali) and Kimberly (Kim) will forever treasure their memories of her. Additionally, Marion’s “bonus” daughter Barbara remained a treasured friend. Marion truly loved her children’s spouses Alec, Scot, and Tina and thought of them as her own. Her grandchildren Rachael, Christopher, Danielle, Samantha, Kyle and Luca will fondly remember their “Nannie”. Her “bonus” grandchildren Tashina, Natalie, Sabrina, Savannah, Emily Dustin, Dylan, their spouses and children were loved and cherished by Nannie. Coming from a large family, Marion had many nieces and nephews who will miss her, especially her Goddaughter Lori who stepped in to help whenever needed. Countless friends including Nancy, Leslie, Mary, Billy and Joe will miss her incredible spirit but continue the party without the brightest guest, most gracious host and best dancer they have ever known. There are no formal services planned at this time. Marion asked that you take a moment to raise a glass, turn on some tunes, dance as if no one is watching and laugh until you either cry or wet your pants. A gathering will be held In her honor soon. Please reach out to her family for details. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts.

Marion Veronica Rhode

January 29, 1944 - February 5, 2019