Rimona Kaywood, a longtime Manhasset resident, died unexpectedly on April 4, 2004. Rimona was born 60 years ago in Palestine, to Fred and Suraya Kawaja, the third of seven children.

Academically she excelled, graduating in the top three in the country of Jordan and she received a fully paid scholarship to study at Oxford or Yale. In 1955, Rimona married Anis Kaywood and they immigrated to America and had three children. In 1960, the family moved to Manhasset where Rimona and her husband opened a deli/grocery named Andy's Market, located on East Shore Road. Later she worked for 16 years at Park Drug and Surgicals on Plandome Road.

During childhood, Rimona became acquainted with the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses and at the age of 25 she became a baptized Witness. Appreciating the importance of the Bible's message of truth and hope, she devoted her life to teaching others about the 'good news of God's Kingdom.' Many in the community will remember her warm, cheerful smile as she visited them at home to share this good news, often together with her daughters.

Rimona had a profound appreciation of nature. She also enjoyed learning new things like how to ride a bike and ski and loved traveling and photography. She was a delegate to numerous international conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses, traveling to many fascinating places including Russia and mainland China. Rimona was a great cook, seamstress, artist, bookkeeper, photographer, teacher, advisor and friend. But most of all she was a treasured Mother and Grandmother.

A great highlight in her life was seeing her son Anthony marry his wife Angela in 1995. Later, in 1999 she eagerly welcomed the birth of her only grandchild - A.J. She took tremendous delight in playing with and caring for him. Through him she learned to love trucks, digging, sports action, soccer and many other things. They were very close friends.

Rimona's memorial service was held on Sunday April 11, 2004, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in East Northport. There, a large audience of family and friends were comforted by a discussion of the Bible's resurrection hope. Rimona firmly trusted Jesus' words at John 3:16:

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life."

Rimona is survived by her children Rosaline, Reema and Anthony (and his wife Angela), their father Anis, her grandson A.J., her six sisters and brothers, and one aunt. Rimona's zest, enthusiasm, and passionate love for God, family and life along with her profound determination to bring joy, kindness and truth to all she touched will long be remembered.