Rhea Mandell

Rhea Menin Mandell was born in the Strawberry Mansion area of Philadelphia to Bertha and Samuel Menin. She was a lifelong Philadelphian but enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summer weekends in Ventnor, NJ. She married Dr. Morton Mandell after her sophomore year at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a degree in American Civilization. After raising her family, she received a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Villanova University and embarked on a career at Penn counseling and advising adult students who wanted to better their lives by returning to school. She also ran the Bread Upon the Waters scholarship fund which made it possible for many deserving women to go to college.

Rhea was a devoted and loving mother to her three children. She had a special relationship with each of her seven grandchildren and was fortunate enough to be a part of the life of her great grandson with whom she Facetimed regularly. She proudly attended every event or milestone related to each family member.

Rhea was also involved in charitable organizations in Philadelphia, including chairing Harvest Ball benefiting Albert Einstein Hospital, serving on the board of the Philadelphia Opera Company and the Bread Upon the Waters Scholarship fund. She was also a trustee of the National Museum of American Jewish History and a long-time member of Congregation Adath Israel in Merion. Rhea was also an avid bridge player. She had many devoted friends, nieces and nephews, to whom she always gave her time and energy. Rhea was kind to everyone with whom she crossed paths over the years and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by Morton, her husband of 68 years, her three children, Robin Green (David), Jonathan Mandell (Monica) and Andrew Mandell (Barbara), seven grandchildren Ian Mandell (Ariel), Andrea Boyer (Austin), Corey Green, Jacob Mandell, Olivia Mandell, Reid Mandell and Arden Mandell, and one great-grandchild, Winston Boyer. She is pre-deceased by her sister Marcia Karol and her brother Edward (Buddy) Menin.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Adath Israel of the Main Line.