Rhoda Munchick Davidson

of Newton, on Saturday,  September 25 2015. Born May 14, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY. Beloved wife of Edwin, loving mother of Ruth, Lise, and Mark, mother-in-law of Emily Sherwood. Sister of Helene (Sokal) and the late Harriet (Kriesberg), daughter of Max Munchick and Sarah Goldstein.  A graduate of Hunter College, Rhoda worked for the United Negro College Fund and WGBH in its pioneering days, and was an early activist for equal pay for equal work. She later worked as a realtor and champion of fair housing. In the community she successfully spearheaded an effort to limit development that would destroy historic rock formations near her Newton home.  An avid lover of theater she was proud of her daughter Ruth’s work at two prominent non-profit theatres, the A.R.T. and ArtsEmerson. She encouraged her disabled daughter Lise to be as able as ever and collaborated with her to advocate for supplemental savings accounts for people with disabilities.  The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act became law last year. She treasured her physician son, who spent endless nights at her side ensuring her right to live and die on her own terms. She was devoted to her husband Edwin, a retired psychiatrist who joined her in her hospital room for an impromptu 62^nd wedding anniversary just weeks ago. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 11 a.m., Newton Cemetery Chapel, 791 Walnut Street, Newton Center, followed by a gathering. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disability Law Center or Greater Boston Legal Services.