Saratoga Springs, NY- Rhoda Anne Nimsker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all, departed this life on June 8, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was 95 years old.

Rhoda's story began on August 14, 1928 when she was born in Springville, NY. After moving to Warsaw, NY in 1931, Rhoda and her four siblings grew up helping their parents run the family business, the Farman Movie Theater. After graduating from Warsaw Central School in 1946, Rhoda continued her education, attending Rochester Business Institute, receiving her Medical Secretary degree.

Rhoda married Edwin C. Warren in 1949.  They relocated to Savannah, Georgia, and had two daughters, Claudia and Marilee.  When Edwin tragically passed away in 1954, Rhoda moved back to Warsaw to be with her parents while raising her girls.

In 1958, Rhoda met Lester J. Nimsker. He unexpectedly (but undeniably) stole her heart, and the two married later that year. Together, Lester and Rhoda welcomed two more daughters, Anne and Leslie. The family of six moved to Saratoga Springs in 1968 when Lester became the director of the Capitol State Park Commission, making their home on Underwood Drive.

A devoted wife and mother, the quintessential grandmother, and the most warm, loving, and selfless soul to those who knew her, Rhoda spent her life going above and beyond for others.

She was a generous volunteer with the Bethesda Episcopal Church Good Samaritan Program, the Orenda Garden Club, the Hawley Foundation Board, the Flower and Fruit Mission, and the Youth Commission Board. Rhoda was a giver through and through.

In later years, Rhoda and her husband, Lester, volunteered with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Team. Together they provided relief following extensive storm damage in Hawaii, Guam, St.Croix and across various states. They were also stationed at Ground Zero following 9/11.

As much as Rhoda was a giver, she was also a do-er, always staying active. She was a member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, a member of the Ladies Golf League, a Master Gardener, and an accomplished seamstress, crafting numerous quilts for her children and grandchildren.

An action-taker, she was also instrumental in the development of the Saratoga Figure Skating Club and the first enclosed local rink.  She taught figure skating for many years.

Rhoda and Lester's shared love for adventure (and wine) led them to travel extensively through Europe. One of their favorite trips included biking through the French wine country, hydrating at each and every vineyard along the way.

Close to her faith, Rhoda was a devout communicant of Bethesda Episcopal Church, and attended church every Sunday in May.

Rhoda's life was filled with love and laughter, surrounded by family and friends who absolutely adored her.  Creative, crafty, thoughtful, generous, she was never one to shy away from dramatically telling (or re-telling) a story.   To know Rhoda was to love her and to feel the endless love that radiated from her.

She is predeceased by husbands, Edwin C. Warren (1954) and Lester J. Nimsker (2017); her parents, Walter and Bertha (Prenot) Sunderland and siblings Betty Henderson Bell, John Sunderland, and MaryLou Travis.

She is survived by her children, Claudia VanWagner (Cliff) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Marilee Urbanczyk (Joe) of Averill Park, NY, Anne Acuña (Martin) of Monroe, NY and Leslie Fleming (Joseph) of Mt. Pleasant, SC. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren, Ian, Rachael, Kiel, Victoria, Cullen, Mackenzie and Isabella; one great grandchild, Calvin; a sister, Barbara Houseknecht and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1-3pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  A funeral home service will follow at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the following: The Wesley Foundation, Flower and Fruit Mission, Bethesda Episcopal Church or to Community Hospice of Saratoga: 179 Lawrence St.