Rhonda Jean Gazda, age 68, of Frederick, MD, passed away on June 11, 2026 from complications related to cancer. She was born on July 23, 1957 in Martins Ferry, OH to parents James and Vera Gazda. She was preceded in death by her parents and two of her nephews, James and John Hardesty.

She is survived by her partner of 16 years, Gene Burgee; a brother, James Gazda (Antoinette); four sisters, Marsha Davis (Jeff), Julie Hardesty, Karen Kangas (Matthew), and Lisa Radocha (Frank); five nieces, Heidi Talley, Christina Fitzgerald, Rachel Davis, Marsha Kangas, and Monica Kangas; and five nephews, Benjamin Gazda, Alexander Gazda, William Kangas, Maxwell Radocha, and Samuel Radocha as well as four great-nephews and two great-nieces. She was thankful to her family who provided comfort and support during her treatments.

She is also survived by one uncle and several aunts including Floyd Atkinson (Martha Atkinson), Bessie Atkinson and Jane Gazda as well as nine cousins and many other extended family members and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. Her most recent new friends included her beloved Wednesday Ladies’ group.

Rhonda graduated from Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, VA and earned an Associate Degree from Northern Virginia Community College. She was proud of her work for both the Legislative Branch (House and Senate) and Executive Branch (IRS) in support of the federal government and as a licensed realtor in Virginia.

Rhonda was one of the original hippies. She was a strong, loving and determined lady who loved life and found great joy in her faith. She enjoyed international and local travel, especially her trips to Ohio to visit family and to soak up the beautiful scenery on the farm. She also loved scuba diving, skiing, golfing, music, and dancing, and her annual Christmas letters included details of her most fun adventures of the year. Rhonda was an avid collector, with her extensive Mermaid collection being the most notable, as well as her postage stamp and currency collections.

Although Rhonda loved to travel to new places far and wide, she most cherished coming home to celebrate holidays and special events with family. She will be deeply missed by her family, especially at those times.

The family will hold a private celebration of her life and interment of her ashes at a later date.