Rhoda Preiss Lauro, 76, died Monday, December 1, 2025 at Stamford Hospital following a long illness.
She leaves her daughter, Jennifer Scherr and her husband, Max, of New Canaan; her grandchildren Joey, Lila and Ruby Scherr; her sister, Stefi Preiss of Livingston, NJ. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Lauro, and her sister, Arleen Soberman.
Born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York City, the daughter of the late Bella and Morris Preiss, she was a longtime resident of Darien before moving to New Canaan in 2016.
After graduating from high school, Rhoda became a book keeper. She was eventually hired by Orlando Lauro, who would become her future father-in-law. Rhoda and Joe married at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in 1985 and moved to Connecticut to start their family.
Rhoda was a dedicated and joyful mother and homemaker. She was a frequent volunteer at Jen’s schools, hosted many play dates and always had the best snacks. Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil endlessly.
Always a passionate homemaker, Rhoda was very crafty and knitted and crocheted countless baby blankets, made many dresses and costumes that have been passed on to her grandchildren, and was a skilled seamstress. Her wicked sense of humor and silly but gentle nature will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org)
