Ellen Louise Rhine, 72, of Swarthmore, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Crozer Chester Medical Center surrounded by her children.
Ellen was born in Minersville, PA, to Steven Matteyka and Margaret Brown Matteyka on July 13, 1951. They moved in 1956 after her father became an engineer for Sun Oil, becoming the first member of his mining family to leave the coalfields. Ellen was raised in Ridley Township and graduated with honors from Ridley High School with the class of 1969. She graduated from Drexel University in 1973 with a degree in Business Administration. It was here she met her future husband, William M. Rhine (Bill). Both she and Bill played lacrosse at Drexel, passing along the love of the sport to their children. They were married on October 8, 1972 in Milmont, PA, and honeymooned in Jamaica.
The Rhines started their family while living in Woodlyn, PA, and Ellen worked as an investment advisor for Arthur E. Spellissy and Associates. They moved to Swarthmore in May 1978. She would fondly recall laughing with “Billy” until her stomach hurt, dancing in the kitchen to Van Morrison while washing dishes and fixing up their home through the years with numerous trips to Hechinger. They took pleasure in the small things: dining by candlelight at the kitchen table, dancing on their neighbor’s deck, a good cocktail and reading on the front porch.
Ellen enjoyed her time sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and around the Caribbean, as well as traveling the world. What she enjoyed most, however, was spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. As an only child, she always said her friends were her family and she made sure everyone she encountered became a friend. Ellen always made everyone feel welcome, had an open-door policy and took interest and pride in everyone’s lives. She was always looking forward and always planning for the next thing. She had an amazing spirit, was kindhearted and was loved by so many.
Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Steven and Margaret Matteyka; husband, William Rhine (2011).
She is survived by her children, Michael Rhine (Anna), Ashley Robinson (Patrick), Matt Rhine (Elizabeth). She was affectionately known as Grammy by her 8 grandchildren, Reese, Logan, Charlotte, Cabot, Owen, Chloe, Elliott, and Benny.
Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 11am at the Carr Funeral Home 935 S. Providence Rd. Wallingford, PA. Friends and family are invited for visitation from 10am-11am.