This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Rhonda Heth, born on January 25, 1954 and passed away on September 30, 2016. Rhonda was predeceased by her beloved Mother, Margaret (Peggy) Heth. Rhonda is survived by Tom, her husband of more than 33 years, their daughter Margaret, her father Chester Heth, her brother and sisters C. Donald (Susan), Lorraine (Neil MacSwain), Carolyn (John Baricevic), and Eileen (Gary Wehrle), 21 nieces and nephews and 11 grand nieces and nephews and innumerable cousins. Rhonda was a spark, a shining ray of joyful life. Rhonda was unique and irreplaceable. Our loss is profound.
Memorial service will be held on October 16th - details:
Tribute and Tea
Location: La Cañada Flintridge Country Club – LCF Room
5500 Godbey Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, California 91011
Time: 1:30pm, Sunday October 16th
Rhonda was a big believer in giving back to her community. She supported education, science and the cultural arts. In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation to your local school, library, science/learning center or arts community. Here are a few of her favorites:
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/give
https://www.descansogardens.org/support-us/
https://www.theoldglobe.org/support-us/donate/
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/support/support.html
The words from this song, "For Good", best describes our friendship.
" Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
I do believe I have been changed for the better
Because I knew you,
Because I knew you,
I have been changed
For good" (Stephen Lawrence Schwartz)
Love always
your friend,
Christine
Many, many memories but especially St. Patrick's Day parties she and Tom faithfully gave in Glendale, purple jacaranda trees lining their street in the spring and seeing her at the Times Mirror reunion last November. She touched us all, what a beautiful LATimes obituary sharing her life. Our love and condolences to Tom, Margaret and her whole family.
Rhonda was fascinated and well-informed, and loved to share about a wide range of topics: science, astronomy, religion, philosophy, nutrition, favorite vacation spots, a new book, or what to eat for lunch in the Picasso Room.
She was also a thoughtful and compassionate person who cared deeply about others, and put that caring into action. An example of Rhonda’s care and compassion could be seen in her work with guide and service dogs, a steady rotation of which were Rhonda’s office companions during her later years at Times Mirror and the Los Angeles Times.
Rhonda, I remember your genuine kindness, your competence, your wisdom, your laugh, your smile and your friendship. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
(Irving Berlin, 1954)
Rhonda, you will be forever in my heart.
Love you always,
Carolyn
Leave a Tribute
The words from this song, "For Good", best describes our friendship.
" Who can say if I've been changed for the better,
I do believe I have been changed for the better
Because I knew you,
Because I knew you,
I have been changed
For good" (Stephen Lawrence Schwartz)
Love always
your friend,
Christine
When worked moved me from the most cold of New England winters to sunny California, I thoght that I'd be far from family. But instead, I had the opportunity to know my cousin Rhonda. I can't think about my brief residence in Pasadena without reflecting on the incredible support and kindness that Rhonda showed me. Within the first few days, she bought me a housewarming lemon tree -- the ultimate California welcome. She showed me the sights and showed my sisters and nieces around while I had to work. There were a lot of meals shared, stories told, and many trips to 21 Choices for frozen yogurt. When my parents came for a visit, not only was it a great reunion, but made special by the Duffy Boat ride and pincic that Rhonda organized. It took living in California and a trip with my "california cousin" to get me on skis for the first time in my life (Mt. Baldy -- and I haven't been on skis since!)
Rhonda most certainly inherited the "Aunt Kay" gene -- a deep sense of familial connection and the understanding of the importance of making connections with kin. I am so grateful of the times we spent in Southern California, the opportunity to know Aunt Peggy, Uncle Chet and the Heths better and to share in the famous family "Champagne Brunches."
At a time I was far from home, Rhonda made me feel right at home.