By Ron Hayes
DELRAY BEACH — Edwina Rhodes Charyk, a resident of The Landings since 1985, died peacefully on May 6. She was 87.
“We had 67 wonderful years together,” said her husband, Joseph V. Charyk, who served as the first director of the National Reconnaissance Office under President Kennedy. “That’s a long time, but also a wonderful collection of years.”
During her husband’s time in Washington and beyond, Mrs. Charyk was admired for her gifts as a hostess whose parties were both exquisite yet intimate affairs.
Whether entertaining global dignitaries or family and friends, she had a knack for making everyone feel special.
Locally, she was a member of the Gulf Stream Bath & Tennis Club and the Gulf Stream Golf Club, and a former board member of the Miami City Ballet.
She also was active with the Smithsonian Women’s Committee and a member of the Woods Hole Club in Falmouth, Mass., and the Chevy Chase Club.
“I’m not sure if there’s a secret to a long marriage,” her husband reflected. “I think it’s just trying to live a happy life together, and if you have a happy home with good friends, it helps.”
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Charyk is survived by their four children, William, John, Chris and Diane, and their spouses, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on May 11 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, where she had been a parishioner.
In lieu of flowers, her wish was that friends consider contributing in her memory to Scripps College, c/o The Development Office, 1030 Columbia Ave., Claremont, CA 91771.
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