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You know how life is – full of change and full of surprises. Our sister Rhoda Eckstadt lived from May 28, 1955 to February 17, 1977. She was 21 when she died in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Rhoda was a loving, caring and talented young lady. I always remember how positive she was and how she always thought of others before herself. She was also very talented in singing and playing guitar. She is remembered daily by myself, my sisters Roselyn Phare and Denise (Denny) Caldwell, and by our mother Denise Eckstadt.
The reason this is on my mind right now is that when Sunrider Canada told me that I had met the qualifications to attend the wonderful all-expense-paid trip for North American Sunrider Leaders to Honolulu, Hawaii – I looked at the date.
The date of the first day of the Sunrider Leadership Conference in Honolulu, is set for February 17th – which also marks exactly 31 years since my sister’s death. I was living in Hawaii at the time, and Rhoda was visiting me.
At first, I was sad. Then, with the help of friends and sisters, we realized that this can be turned into a time of celebration of Rhoda’s life, and a time of healing for us. We will go on Wednesday to the area of Waikiki Beach (Ft. de Russy) where her ashes were spread all those years ago.
We love you and remember you, Rhoda.
Sister Denny (Denise Caldwell), Mom Denise Eckstadt, sister Roselyn Phare, sister Diana Walker
Please be sure and leave comments (see Comments link above).
She sounds like a lovely person and I’m sure is gracing Heaven with her pressence. She was a true beauty.
Thank you for sharing about your sister. She sounds like a sweet soul and you are all blessed to have those memories of her. Have a peaceful, wonderful trip Diana!
What a lovely tribute and how wonderful for you to be able to go and remember her.
Oh Diana, my heart is with you. Huge virtual HUG. Please know you are in my prayers. Vera.
How good that you can turn something potential sad into a time to remember and celebrate her life. Maybe it was just meant to be that way so her memory can also share in your accomplishments and in a way she’s still a part of it to celebrate with you.
Hugs,
Angela
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to our dear sister. It will be a special time to celbrate a beautiful life. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Hi Diana, Denny & Roselyn
I am so blessed to be travelling to Hawaii with Diana and to be with her and Denny as we together celebrate you precious sister’s life.
After 31 years she is still a cherished part of your lives. That is a powerful testament to how special she was and is.
Trudy
Thank-you for sharing, Denise. I remember your mother and met someone from Australia, too. Was that Roselyn?? Is she still living there?
Eternity awaits those of us who receive the promise. It is our final hope.
Sounds like you were invited to Rhoda’s Birthday Party…
My thoughts are with you & family at this time,
How moving, touching and inspiring Diana.
Celebrate!!!
XO, Gwen
Have a wonderful trip Diana with friends and family. Thank you for sharing about your sister Rhonda. I did not know her, but am sure that if she is anything like you… she must have been a wonderful person. It will be special to remember her in a place where you both shared fond experiences.
Again, have a fantastic trip, you deserve it!
Love Lorraine
Don’t know why my comment didn’t get posted, but I re-typed it here. Just very impressed with your website and health knowledge, Diana. I love to read it all and learn from it.
Is Roselyn living in Australia still? I met her years ago when we lived in Salmon Arm.
We not only celebrate the life of a loved one here on earth, but we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that eternity awaits those who want to celebrate there also.
Bonnie
Our thoughts and prayers go with you on this special journal, as you celebrate Rhoda’s short but amazing life. How she touchede each one of us. Time has just flown by but she is never far from our thoughts. We will see her in the morning.
Maureen & Ralph
Thank you each one of you for your loving thoughts.
I have photos taken at our “Celebration of Life” for Rhoda, which I will post here soon.
Diana
Oh, thank you each one of you for your kind thoughts.
We had a beautiful Celebration of Life in Hawaii, and I’ll be posting photos and memories soon.
Diana
Feb. 17, 1977 (typo)
Beautiful young woman!
Rhoda was one of the most precious souls ever to enter my life and my heart. She was ever kind, thoughtful and talented. I’m so happy you have a page on your site to honor her. To look on her sweet face again — even in pictures– was a treat. The mere thought of her is one of memory’s pleasant paths to follow.
So sorry diane about the loss of you mother.even tho I have’nt met you personally ‘its like I’ve always known you by talking to you on the phone.I know what it is like to lose a loved one.as you know we lost a 44 yr. old son in 2006 suddenly.I lost my da 31/2 yrs ago he was 95. I syill have my mom in a nursing home .she will be 97 in Dec.so my prayers are with you & your family.
God Bless.
verda
Rhoda
A life that was so lovely cannot fade
From fond and sweet remembrance
Though night has fallen
On her tender soul.
Like a precious flower sheds
perfume
Beauty from within made
Rhoda bloom.
Sleeping solftly now ….
Death took our child –
But she will wake to meet
Her Saviour
In a little while.
By Vicki Mandzuik 1977
Thanks, Vicki, for this beautiful poem honoring our sister
Diana Walker, Roselyn Phare, Goldie Denise Caldwell