Monday, April 25, 2011
Dear Ed and family, I share many of Mary Ferrara's memories about Rhoda at School #35. I came there to teach my first year in 1969. Because I had an appartment close by, on Edgerton Street, Rhoda and I carpooled for a time. She gave me wonderful advice about teaching and life. I remember one humorous piece. I was pregnant with my son Aaron (now 36 and the parent of 3) and was "starving" myself on scrambled eggs and crackers, but gaining weight like crazy. She said, "Suzanne, you're eating too much salt. Skip the crackers and don't salt your eggs." Down to earth, no holds barred. I was married to a Jewish man, so Rhoda and I shared our absent days for the holidays. She also kept my spirits up when I tried to please the infamous Dorothy Voss, our principal. I don't think I could have survived my first 3 years without Rhoda, truly a master teacher and a "mensch." I am sorry for you loss.
