Bitzer, Rhoda

Rhoda Schott Bitzer was possibly the oldest former UConn cheerleader, and she continued all her life as a diehard fan of UConn Women’s and Men’s basketball. She died on March 20, 2023 at the age of 95, in West Hartford, CT.

The daughter of Carl and Lorette Schott, Rhoda was born in Meriden on July 3, 1927. She grew up in Stratford where she enjoyed summers with friends at the Housatonic Boat Club, and kept watch as a Mariner Girl Scout for submarines during WW II. She loved her high school years, graduating at age 16.

Rhoda met her husband, the late Bob Bitzer, while a student and a cheerleader at UConn. After settling in Canton, MA they raised two children, Lynn and Richard. Bob and Rhoda were active in the Congregational Church, and Rhoda’s creativity as a homemaker blossomed. She helped cater church weddings and run the annual fair, became an expert gardener, quilter, and braider of wool rugs. In all, Rhoda braided about 50 rugs, now cherished possessions of all who loved her. Rhoda had worked in customer service with New England Telephone before having children, and upon returning with her family to Stratford, was program director at the Stratford YMCA. In this position, she planned courses, activities, luncheons, and even bravely chaperoned teenagers on two trips to Europe. In the mid 1970’s, Rhoda and Bob moved to PA, where they developed a love of all things Amish. Even after settling in Wethersfield, CT, they returned every year, drawn by the peaceful Lancaster countryside. In these and later years, Rhoda was chief caregiver for her parents and in-laws, since she and Bob were both only children. This period shaped their retirement years. When Bob died, Rhoda remained in Wethersfield, maintaining her home, gardens, and yard well into her 90’s. She loved landscaping and tending flowers, and was affronted that weeds persisted in growing despite her best efforts. Rhoda relished her 30-plus years of leadership and friendships with First Church’s Thrift Shop, and often sheepishly admitted that she loved playing store and modeling clothes with the other ladies each week.

Memories of Rhoda, who is now at peace, are with her family who already miss her: Lynn Bitzer Welbourn (and Dave Welbourn) of Bridgton, ME; Richard Bitzer (and the late Rena Sanborn Bitzer) of Barkhamsted, CT; five grandchildren (Jeff, Emily, Ben, Alison, and Carly); and five great-grandchildren (Penelope, Eleanor, Theo, Calloway, and Lewis). Also lovingly included are Rhoda’s special friends Ellen and Bob Steben, and neighbors Scott and Jean Roberts.

Services will be private, and burial will be in the Village Cemetery in Wethersfield. Funeral services have been entrusted to the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Memorial contributions would be welcomed by the American Red Cross, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032 or the Connecticut Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002.

To leave a message for the family, please visit www. desopofuneralchapel.com

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries