Rhonda H. Keenom

Rhonda H. (Schermerhorn) Keenom, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Reading, on Monday, September 19, 2022 at age 71.

Rhonda was born in Syracuse, New York on February 5, 1951, one of two children of the late Rhoda (Churchill) and Warren Schermerhorn. Raised in Melrose, she graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1969, and Chandler Secretarial School. While at Melrose High, she met Joseph Keenom in Math class, and they immediately fell in love. They were married two years after she graduated on September 10, 1971, and started a family in Melrose. Early in life, Rhonda worked as an Executive Secretary for several years in Boston. After raising her children, Rhonda returned to work as Director of Christian Education at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church.

Rhonda was strong and independent, yet a loving and compassionate wife, mother and grandmother. She cherished her time spent with her family, and shared her love effortlessly with her grandchildren. She was happiest surrounded by family at home, reading a good book, or enjoying some chocolate. For many years, she found joy in gathering with family at the cottage on Silver Lake in Madison, New Hampshire, or the solitude of floating peacefully on the lake. With a love for clothes and shoes, she often enjoyed shopping trips in downtown Boston and nights out with her family to the theatre or ballet.

With her husband Joe, Rhonda was an active member of the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church for many years.

Rhonda was always honest, shared her opinions freely, but above all centered her life around her family. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for her loyal, genuine spirit and loving, kind nature. May she rest in peace.

Rhonda is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph L. Keenom with whom she shared 51 years of marriage; her cherished children, Hope E. Doran and her husband Daniel of N. Andover, and Neil J. Keenom and his wife Jessica of Peabody; loving brother Marshall Schermerhorn and his wife Ann of Boxford; adored grandchildren, Nate and Charlotte Doran, and Jalen Keenom. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather in honor of Rhonda’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Sept. 23 from 4-7pm, and for her Funeral Service celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10am. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. If you wish, please consider donations in Rhonda’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.