Theda D. Radin Obituary (1916 - 2011)

Theda D. Radin Born March 23, 1916 in Camden, NJ to Rose and William Diamond. She was raised in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from West Philadelphia High School. In the mid 1930's at the height of the Depression, she worked for RCA Music in Camden, rising to the position of Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Classical Recordings. She participated in early dramatic radio shows and was known among her performing peers to possess a penetrating scream when the script demanded. She married Alfred D. Radin on May 17, 1942. Her son, David, was born on New Year's Eve, 1943. The Radins moved several times, following the career of Mr. Radin from Philadelphia, to Pittsfield, MA, to Springfield, NJ, Philadelphia, Syracuse, and finally to Summit, NJ where Theda and Alfred lived from 1965 to 2010. She prided herself on being an exceptional homemaker, mother, wife, and accomplished cook. Alfred died in 1987, sixteen years after suffering a debilitating stroke in 1971. If it had not been for her constant care, he surely would have met his demise much sooner. She was also predeceased by her two older brothers, Arthur and Milton. Theda and Alfred were among a small group who founded Reform Congregation Temple Sinai in Summit during the 1950's, where she was an active member for decades. She logged thousands of hours as a volunteer at Overlook Hospital in Summit and served at countless Red Cross Blood Drives. In her mid 80's she began Yoga lessons and at age 85 could perform an unassisted headstand, to the dismay of her classmates half her age. She moved to Woodbrook Assisted Living in December 2010. Her health slowly declined culminating in a hospitalization approximately two weeks before her death. Mrs. Radin is survived by her son David (Claudia) of Horseheads; grandson David (Randi) of Huntersville, NC and their two children Matthew and Hailey; grandson Andrew (Wendy) of San Jose, CA, and granddaughter Sarah of Brooklyn. NY. For friends wishing to make a charitable donation in Theda's behalf, it is her wish that gifts be directed to HOMEFIRST, Interfaith Housing and Family Services, PO Box 569, Plainfield, NJ 07601; or Temple Sinai, 208 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ 07901.