Age 83, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026. Born Rena Marilyn Groland on February 3, 1943 in Brooklyn NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Sunny Groland.

Most of her childhood was spent in Rockland County, NY where she was a self described country bumpkin/tomboy who was always in a bit of trouble (but not as much as her brother, Gordon!)  Riki attended college in Richmond, VA where she majored in Fine Arts, embraced an artsy/hippie lifestyle and met her strait-laced soulmate, Allan Applebaum. They married in Wilmington, DE in August 1964 and made Wilmington their home for 62 years.

She worked in advertising sales for over 25 years and won salesperson of the year so many times she told her bosses to choose someone else because it was hurting morale... they refused.  Riki was passionate about her friends and family.  She attracted friends like a magnet.  When she made a new friend, she quickly connected them to others so they were enveloped into the cocoon of her community.  She was a free spirit who didn't like to follow rules or color within the lines.  An excellent and creative cook, she hated baking because she refused to follow a recipe, so her cakes and breads never turned out right.  She was known for her chopped liver, brisket, and kugel.  Her favorite places were the expansive porch at the shore house in Ventnor, NJ, Caribbean cruises every winter, and anywhere she could pick up a mahjong game.  In recent years, she found an amazing community of friends at Maris Grove.

Preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gordon; Riki is survived by her husband, Allan; daughter, Marci Aerenson (Andy); son, Brent Applebaum (Monika); and daughter, Staci Groland (Brad Barnett); grandchildren, Ari Applebaum (Cassidy), Kayla Applebaum (Cole Nickoles), Caleb Aerenson (Hannah Peterson), Travis Aerenson (Corinne), Sunny Groland, and Joseph Groland; great-grandchildren, Teagan, MacIntyre, Finnley, Sophia, and Ari Eloise.

She will be missed by all whose lives were touched by her.

Graveside services will be 3:00 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Jewish Community Cemetery, 401 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.  Shiva will be observed 6:00 pm, Tuesday evening at the Siegel Jewish Community Center, 101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hemophilia Federation of America (www.hemophiliafed.org) or the Siegel JCC Day Camp Fund (www.siegeljcc.org).