Rhoda Cohen

Rhoda Cohen ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - Minneapolis on Mar. 12, 2026.Rhoda Cohen, a charismatic, creative, witty, and loving soul, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born on August 18, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rhoda was known for her love of home decorating, plein air painting, and a spirited game of Mahjong. She had a sharp wit, strong opinions, and a personality that filled every room she entered. She shared a loving marriage of 61 years with her husband Bob, building a life centered around family, creativity, and community.Rhoda began her professional life as a talented home decorator and entrepreneur. Alongside Bob, she founded a business called Home Beautiful, where she worked with clients to design and beautify their homes with custom draperies, slipcovers, pillows, and bedspreads. Her natural sense of style and attention to detail helped clients create warm and beautiful living spaces.What began as a home based business grew into a thriving family enterprise. As demand increased, Rhoda and Bob opened a showroom and factory in downtown Minneapolis. Their sons Mark and Ronnie, along with their daughter Shary, later joined the business, making Home Beautiful a true family venture.At around fifty years old, Rhoda began a new chapter and transitioned into real estate. She built a successful career with RE/MAX, earning multiple sales and performance awards for her dedication to her clients. Beyond her professional life, she was also an accomplished plein air and oil painter whose work captured the beauty of the natural world and earned several artistic recognitions. Her passion for art led her to study at the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a renowned center for visual arts that has drawn artists from around the world.While Rhoda enjoyed many professional and creative pursuits, nothing mattered more to her than her family. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the close bond she shared with her parents and sisters were the center of her life and the source of her greatest pride and joy.Rhoda is survived by her loving children Shary Essig, Mark Cohen, and Joe Cohen, her sister Maurine Shink, her grandchildren Brynn Szeles, Aaron Cohen, Mandy Cohen, Greg Essig, Alana Fairbairn, Bram Cohen, and Sasha Grimm, and her cherished great grandchildren Scotti Szeles, Harvey Szeles, Rory Szeles, Forest Fairbairn, and Cru Grimm.She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Gertrude Abrams, her beloved son Ronald Cohen, her husband Robert Cohen, and her siblings Idelle Kronowitt, Eileen Winger, and Morris Abrams.Over the years Rhoda's life took her from Minneapolis to places she loved including Santa Fe, San Miguel de Allende, and later Nashville, Tennessee. She was an active member of Adath Jeshurun in Minneapolis and later Congregation Micah in Nashville. Deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage, Rhoda embraced the idea that life is a narrow bridge and, with her signature humor, might remind us, "Just be careful not to fall off."A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at the gravesite at:Also available via Zoom (link below).Adath-Yeshurun Cemetery5605 France Ave SEdina, MN 55410Following the ceremony, a reception will be held nearby at 12:00 PM at:COV Edina3155 GalleriaEdina, MN 55435In memory of Rhoda, donations may be made to:Alive Hospice1718 Patterson StreetNashville, TN 37203Abe's Garden Community115 Woodmont BoulevardNashville, TN 37205Those who knew Rhoda will remember her creativity, her humor, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Her spirit lives on in the stories shared, the artwork she created, and the family she loved so deeply. Rhoda's creativity, humor, strength, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.