Edwina Rhodes Charyk, 87, of Delray Beach, FL, Falmouth, MA and formerly of Washington, D.C. passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2013.
An extraordinarily generous and loving wife and mother, Edwina will be remembered for her natural elegance, her intuitive and artistic nature, her lifelong passion for traveling and the performing arts, and most of all for her boundless enthusiasm for life and loved ones. In particular, Edwina will be remembered by many for her special gifts as a hostess. Her parties were exquisite yet intimate social affairs, notable for Edwina's seemingly effortless mastery of making everyone she encountered feel special, as she welcomed global dignitaries, local friends, and every generation of her beloved family with her unique blend of charm, diplomacy, and sparkling warmth.
Edwina was an active member and contributor to many philanthropic organizations including the Miami City Ballet and the Smithsonian Women's Committee. She was a member of the Woods Hole Club, Chevy Chase Club, Gulfstream Bath & Tennis Club and Gulfstream Golf Club, and attended St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Delray Beach. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Joseph V. Charyk, her children William, John, Chris, and Diane and their spouses, 9 grandchildren and their spouses, and 4 great grandchildren. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 11, 2013 at 11 am at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. In lieu of flowers, it was Edwina's wish that those wishing to express condolences consider making a contribution to Scripps College in the memory of Edwina Rhodes Charyk c/o The Development Office of Scripps College at 1030 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, California 91771.