Businesswoman, activist and judge’s wife Arlene “Rickey” Feder dies at 78
By Howard Cohen, The Miami Herald | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
She was married to retired
Feder, who died Sunday at 78 in
Feder also wielded her influence in the community. The owner of an insurance firm, she helped found the
She also was active with the
"She was very generous financially with her money and her time. If she was devoted to a cause, she would go all the way out," Young said.
"Her parents were instrumental in that," her husband said. "Her mother and father [
But family ruled.
"Without a doubt, she was one of the most devoted wives that I have ever known. She redefined the word 'devotion' as far as her husband was concerned," said family friend, attorney
Young cites an example. Feder fought to have her husband recognized during a courthouse renovation for his work in family law. His portrait now hangs in the
"She was a very strong lady. You couldn't say no to the lady when she was fighting for her cause," Young said.
"She was very outspoken in her views and her opinions and she really was the matriarch of our family," Venzer said.
Feder grew up in
"My mother was always a role model for my sisters and me as someone who loved her family, loved her friends and loved her community," Venzer said. "I think she really believed in a work ethic and instilling that in all three of her daughters and grandchildren. If it hadn't been for my mother I wouldn't be where I am today."
Young marveled at Feder's tenacity, even as illness conspired to sap her formidable strength. Seven months ago her dog needed an operation. One of her stepsons is a veterinarian in
"Sick as she was, she took that dog on an airplane up to him," Young said. "She loved her little dog. In the last couple of months, before she was bedridden, when she should have been in a hospital, nothing stopped her. She went on a cruise. This is how committed and dedicated she was to living and taking care of the things she loved."
Her daughter offers a summation: "She was a force to be reckoned with," Venzer said.
In addition to her husband and daughter, Feder is survived by daughters
A memorial service will be held at
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