Rhodyne Grace Tappe

Rhodyne Grace Tappe was 92 when she died. Born Rhodyne Grace Bedard at home in Argyle, Minnesota to Joseph and Grace Bedard, Rhodyne was the second of five siblings.

In 1943, Rhodyne’s family moved to Long Beach, California. She attended St. Anthony High School and worked as a dental assistant. She met her husband John Noyes Tappe through a social group at St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Antonian Club, which held dances and events for singles who often later married, especially as soldiers returned home. The couple went on to win more than one dance contest.

Together, Rhodyne and John lived in Long Beach; Anaheim; Stamford, Connecticut; Fullerton; Carlsbad; and Ramona. Rhodyne worked at an orthodontist’s office while in Stamford, and in California real estate.

John and Rhodyne had four children: Kevin, Stephen, Joseph and Anne. She was the last of her generation, preceded in death by her husband John in 2014. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Rhodyne thought her life ordinary, yet she remained an active member of her church, a talented golfer, worthy bridge partner, an accomplished dancer, scout leader, singer, organist, church choir director, and was one of her family’s gifted seamstresses.

Rhodyne will join John at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. A rosary and funeral mass will be held at 10:15 on Wednesday, October 12 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Ramona. Instead of flowers, the family suggest supporting the Ramona Fire Dept. or Father Joe’s Villages.

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