Rhoda Dinces Kagan

Rhoda Kagan was born on March 15, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York. She devoted all her time to raising her three children (Tricia, Donna, and Gordon) and was involved in all aspects of their lives. Her dedication to Norman, her husband of 74 years, was a priority and she took diligent care of him until his passing last year. Rhoda was a caring and generous person who was always there to help friends and family, including a wide web of relatives across the world. She was a full time mother and second mother to her 5 grandchildren and she attended most of their special events in the Jacksonville and New Orleans communities (e.g. dance recitals, sports events, graduations, etc...) Rhoda unconditionally loved her children, grandchildren, and her great granddaughter and represented a constant presence in their lives. A focal point for her and her late husband was education, and they were active participants and contributors to their family's academic and career goals. Her enthusiasm around Jewish holidays was highlighted by her preparation in the kitchen with everyone gathering around the table together. She was a wonderful cook, loved to teach her children and grandchildren her recipes and secrets. She was a selfless caretaker putting her own needs behind family, friends and the disadvantaged, seeing the best in everyone.

She was a stalwart supporter of the JCA, Jewish Federation, Jacksonville Jewish Center, and Hadassah, dedicating her time to major Hadassah fundraising events through varied work running the thrift store, planning fashion shows among other projects. She often used her skilled artistic ability to design cards, posters, and letters for such events. Additionally, she was the recipient of “ The Woman of the Year” for the Jacksonville Chapter of Hadassah.

Rhoda was predeceased by her parents (Carrie and Max Dinces); predeceased by husband Norman, mother to Donna Kagan Buring, predeceased by her daughter Tricia Kagan Bettman (Jack Bettman) and son, Gordon Seth Kagan. She was grandmother to: Seth Bloom (Gary Solomon); Dorian Bloom (Troy Robison); Jonathan Buring; Falyn Buring; Lance Buring . She was also great-grandmother to Twyla Kagan Solomon-Bloom and excited about a new great-grandchild coming this summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rhoda’s memory can be sent to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, the Jacksonville Chapter of Hadassah or River Garden Hebrew Home.