Rhoda Gilbert, educator, dies at 90

Rhoda Gilbert, a social studies teacher at Baldwin Harbor Junior High School (now Baldwin Middle School), died on January 31 at the age of 90. Gilbert’s funeral was held in San Diego, but a memorial service in Baldwin has been planned for April 29 so Gilbert’s east coast friends can celebrate her life and accomplishments. The memorial will be held at the school district office gymnasium (960 Hastings St.), at 3:30 p.m. on April 29.

According to fellow retired teacher, Barbara M. Sher, Gilbert was a dedicated education professional who “continued helping Baldwin long after her retirement from the classroom and even from out of state.” Gilbert was an officer with the Baldwin Teacher’s Association, a founder of the Baldwin Retired Teacher’s Association, a board member and chair of the policy board of the Baldwin teacher center and an active contributor to the Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse and the Baldwin Foundation for Education. She was also a boat safety instructor and, Sher says, “an all-around great lady.”

Gilbert’s past students and parents of students, as well as friends and neighbors, will be welcome at the commemoration. Those planning to attend should email Bmsofny@aol.com and use the subject line: “Attendance at Rhoda’s Memorial.” This will provide an approximate count for chairs and light refreshments.

Rhoda Gilbert Baldwin memorial
Date: April 29