Luann "Robin" (Vonneida) Rhode

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, LuAnn “Robin” (VonNeida) Rhode, age 69, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving children, niece, and family, following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

LuAnn was born June 13, 1955, in Elmira, to Harry VonNeida and Mildred (Rinker) Furman. She graduated from Southside High School in 1973 and worked after high school. Her sister, Jackie, has been a close friend and support her whole life. When her children were born, they became her world, and she was always a fierce advocate for them. She felt immensely proud of her children, her niece, Corey, and her grandchildren, and she would tell others about them any chance she could. She loved finding the perfect gift for her kids or grandkids. Seeing them happy and excited brought her much joy.

She valued not only her children but also their many friends and neighbors. She was always willing to support those connected to her, through conversation or acts of kindness. Her willingness to help others extended beyond humankind: she was a dedicated animal lover who had many cats and dogs throughout her life, including her current dog, Jeter, and cats Lola and Bella. Beyond her own pets, she felt animals deserved to be treated humanely and was always willing to speak up for them.

In her free time, she enjoyed many TV shows over the years, including Vampire Diaries and Game of Thrones. She rooted for the New York Yankees and Minnesota Vikings, and when her children and grandchildren expressed interest in a show, activity, or hobby, she would get into it, too, wanting to share in the camaraderie this created.

During down time, she’d often play slot machine games on her iPad or take an occasional trip to the casino. But her most cherished activity was time spent with family and friends. She loved hosting or attending cookouts, holiday meetups, and birthday parties. She made sure every celebration had deviled eggs and that there would be plenty of photos taken to document the time together. In recent years, LuAnn loved having family and friends over for a swim on a warm summer afternoon.

While she spent her life in Elmira, she traveled whenever the opportunity presented itself. She took multiple trips to Keuka Lake and South Carolina and visited New York City with her granddaughter. In these getaways, new sights were fun but the old-fashioned comfort of connection with close friends and family meant the most.

LuAnn was preceded in death by: her parents; her brother, Timothy VonNeida; her stepfather, Herbert Furman; and her stepmother, Donna VonNeida.

She is survived by: her children - Jill Rhode, and Kevin (Ruth) Rhode; her niece, Corey (Justin Baer) VonNeida; four grandchildren - Calei Disbrow, Ben Disbrow (Ava Batrowny), Amelia Rhode, and Lucas Rhode; her siblings -  Jackie VonNeida, Marie VonNeida, and Tommy VonNeida; nephews - Scott VonNeida, Brian VonNeida, and Tom VonNeida; great-nephews - Ethan DuPay and Mason DuPay; several other great nieces and nephews; and many close family friends.

The family sends a special thank you to Dr. Aram Hezel and his team at the Wilmot Cancer Institute in Rochester, NY, for his dedication and kindness since the time of LuAnn’s diagnosis to her death.

Family and friends are invited to Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira, NY, for calling hours on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 12 to 3 p.m., and to a reception at the Elmira Country Club, 1538 W. Church Street in Elmira, NY, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.