Rona Seidel

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Crest Lawn Memorial Park.

RECORDING: Please click here to watch the service livestream recording.

SHIVA: Shiva will be observed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6pm-9pm with a shiva minyan at 7pm each evening at the home of Rona and Barry Seidel.

OBITUARY
We are heartbroken to share the loss of our wife, Mom, and Nana, Rona Leichter Seidel, on Sunday July 19.

Rona was surrounded since birth by people who loved her unconditionally: Parents Lillian and Albert Leichter, brother Edward, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins who filled their childhood home with love and baked goods. She was blessed by a beautiful and caring marriage partner, Barry. Rona and Barry fell in love at first sight at Douglass College/Rutgers University and would celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. They lived together in New Jersey, Long Island, and Tulsa OK before settling in Atlanta in 1974. Together they raised 3 children in Atlanta and were lifetime members of Congregation Shearith Israel.

Rona felt fortunate to travel to Israel as a teenager in 1955 when such trips were highly selective. A highlight was meeting David Ben Gurion in his home. She conveyed that pride and connection to her family through her love of Israel and involvement in the Jewish community.

A legendary teacher for more than 30 years at the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta (GHA, AJA), Rona impacted countless young students with her fascination with geography, kids literature, and fractions. If you've ever memorized state capitals, chances are Mrs. Seidel taught you! She enjoyed volunteering at community and Jewish organizations.

Rona and Barry traveled the world together, collecting memories and friends from 6 continents, dozens of cruises, and many islands and resorts. Their home was filled with Shabbat dinners, homemade birthday cakes, kids and 8 grandkids together, and always brownies in the garage freezer. She adored spending time with neighbors and friends for book club, mah jongg, and neighborhood pool parties.

Rona is already missed by Barry and children, Jonathan and Beth Seidel, Andrea Seidel Slomka and Howie Slomka, David Seidel and Erica Peters, and most of all by her grandchildren, Abby and Aiden Bendavid, Sarah Seidel, Liana Slomka and Sam Bernstein, Ari Slomka, Gil Slomka, Lillian Seidel, Benjamin Seidel, and Vivienne Seidel. 

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the home of Rona and Barry Seidel.

Donations may be made in Rona's memory to Congregation Shearith Israel Chesed Fund and JF&CS Holocaust Survivor Fund.