Rhoda Jean Gonyaw Irish

Rhoda passed away peacefully at Bel Aire Nursing Home in Newport, Vt. on March 9, 2023.

Rhoda was born in Woodsville, NH on April 11, 1936 to Bernie and Maylo Gonyaw.

Rhoda graduated from Derby Academy in 1954 and obtained her Associate's degree through Community College of Vermont in 1987.

Rhoda was employed by the State of Vermont Department of Transportation in Derby, Vt for 30 Years retiring in 1998.

After retirement Rhoda signed on for a two-year commitment to the Fold Family Ministries for troubled

youth in Lyndonville, VT, managing the kitchen and cooking for the young men. When she finished her 2 years there, Rhoda was able to visit Ukraine on a missions trip where she spent time at local orphanages. A couple of years later she went on another trip to the Philippines with others to share the gospel.  Shortly after these missions trips, she returned to school and obtained her Medical Transcriptionist Certificate and worked for physicians' offices in Island Pond and Derby.

Rhoda had a love for poodles, most specifically 3 of her own, Michelle, Bridgette and Bogie.

Rhoda was a long time member of Derby United Church in Derby, VT, being very involved in weekly services, hospitality, and Bible teachings.  Rhoda loved to learn from her pastor, Fred Barker.

Rhoda is survived by her son Brian and wife Patricia of Newport, Vt; a daughter Kim Aldrich of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Rebekah Pepin of Plattsburg, NH, Sarah Pohl and husband Peter of Tampa, FL, and Matthew Irish of Burlington, Vt.  She is also survived by two greatgrandchildren Braden and Carter Pohl, her brother Duane and wife Simone of Tampa, Fl and her brother Bernie and wife Claudette of Newport, Vt.  Rhoda also cared very deeply for her "bonus" grandson, Andrew Santopolo of Newport, Vt.

She was predeceased by her parents Bernie and Maylo Gonyaw and a brother Michael Gonyaw.

A very special thank you to the staff at Bel-Aire in Newport for the care they provided to our Mother during this time. Also we would like to mention the staff at Derby Green and Margaret Pratt Community in Bradford for the care they had provided in the past.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday March 14, 2023 at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport with Dr. Fred Barker officiating. On-line condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home and Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.