When Rhonda Miriam Levine was born in 1948, the doctors came in and one doctor said to the other, “See? I told you; she has no pupils.” Her rich, brown eyes were so dark that her irises blended right into her pupils. From the get-go, the world recognized that Rhonda was someone special.

Rhonda lived her whole life with an open heart and an open door. There wasn’t a friend she couldn’t make, a trip she wouldn’t take, or a stray (animal or human) she wouldn’t welcome into her home. She was a world traveler, a vivacious reader, a crossword puzzle whiz, a talented knitter, and a business owner. But her most cherished roles were life partner to the late Oliver “Corky” Helmrich; mother to Samantha Rosen and Charles Levine; beloved grandmother to her four grandsons, William Rosen, Nathan Rosen, Maxon Levine, and Cooper Levine; and dear friend to far more people than will fit in this space.

Born Rhonda Barker in New Haven, she attended Hillhouse High School, where she made lifelong friends and charmed people with her outgoing spirit and easy-going nature. After graduation, she moved to Boston to attend college. There, she met Mark Levine and eloped in 1967. They were married for 18 years and had the greatest joys of Rhonda’s life, her children, Samantha and Charlie, whom they raised in Madison.

As a mom, Rhonda was fun, creative and fiercely protective. She took the kids to the beach every summer day (which they loved), sewed them clothes from scratch (which they hated), and stood toe-to-toe with any coach, teacher or guidance counselor who got in their way.

Hard as she worked, Rhonda found plenty of time to play. Her sense of adventure led her everywhere from boating in the Bahamas, to safaris in Africa, hiking in the Grand Canyon and bazaar hopping in Morocco. But her favorite place to be was at her home situated on the shores of West Lake in Guilford with Corky, sharing a few drinks, a great meal and endless laughs with friends, family members or neighbors. While she was small in stature, measuring just a bit more than five feet tall, Rhonda was mighty in love.

She passed away on Dec. 23 with the sun on her cheeks and her children by her side after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. She was 74. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations made in her name to Connecticut Hospice.