Madina Rhine

Madina Rhine obituary, McLean, VA

Madina Rhine

Madina Rhine Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 22, 2025.
Madina Rhine, 36 of Mclean, VA, passed away Wednesday, August 2025 after a tragic accident. Madina was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Talia (6) and Zara (4), a loving and supportive wife to her husband, John Rhine (39), and a caring daughter to Mahmood and Arian Ahmadzai.

Madina was born June 10, 1989, in Alexandria, Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mary Washington, where she was a member of the university's Philharmonic Orchestra and the debate team. Madina received a Master of Arts from Georgetown University in Security Studies and served as an international economic analyst at several federal agencies, where she won awards for her briefing talents.

Madina was an avid reader and talented writer. She shared her love for reading with her daughters every evening during story time and with her communities by founding book clubs everywhere she went. At home, she filled three bookcases with a beautifully cataloged library, which was a source of wonder for her children. A lifelong learner, Madina was dedicated to her daughter's education and volunteered at the community school.

Madina was a violinist who enjoyed classical and Latin music, and she passed her musical talents to her children. She also loved knitting with her friends and family, and recently took up gardening. Madina enjoyed family movie nights and movie dates with John. Madina loved to travel, and her trips to France and Cape Town had a special place in her heart.

Madina took great satisfaction in cooking and baking for her friends and family. She loved bringing people together through good food, whether it be through home-cooked meals or trying out new restaurants in DC with her friends. Her chicken and rice, chili, tortilla soup, chicken piccata, and banana bread were family favorites made with love and care. She never left a party or restaurant without asking for the recipe so she could try them out at home.

Madina was a nurturing and radiant mother to Talia and Zara, who were the pride and joy of her life. During her many international travels, she would pick special and individualized gifts for her girls at each location. She hoped to instill in her daughters the same sense of wonder, adventurism, and curiosity in the world that she had.

She was a warm and protective friend, who had the uncanny ability to establish strong lifelong friendships at every stage in life. Those closest to her were immediately drawn to her wit, charm, and easy humor. Madina held the "gift of the gab"-she was uniquely multi-faceted and could talk for hours with her friends about every topic under the sun-her passions, world affairs, pop culture, etc. Above all, Madina embodied selflessness; she was emotionally insightful, held strong for others when they needed her, and championed personal growth in others. Her light will be missed but never forgotten.

Madina is survived by John, Talia, Zara, her parents, Mahmood and Arian, her brother, Harris Ahmadzai, her aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her many friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Madina Rhine's life will be held Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at National Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

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Yesterday

Bart J Cannon posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2025

LH posted to the memorial.

August 25, 2025

Nazifa Wyshak posted to the memorial.

28 Entries

Bart J Cannon

Yesterday

You are the family we always wanted. Smart, funny, way out of John's league but you found a beautiful man. I will miss your smile and empathy and love. You are an amazing soul who will not be forgotten. One Love Uncle Bart Cannon

LH

August 26, 2025

Nazifa Wyshak

August 25, 2025

I´m very sad and sorry for the loss of beautiful Madina Jan! It´s heart breaking and devastating. I can´t imagine her loss at such young age and I´m praying for her family and sharing my condolences and tears

Hakim Yousufi

August 25, 2025

Please accept my deepest condolences it´s really sad. I´m sorry for losing!

Holly Fletcher

August 25, 2025

Madina lit up every room she was in. She was the perfect blend of sassy and kind. She never met a stranger, and everyone who knew her even a little bit loved her. I am heartbroken especially for her girls. It´s so unfair. John and the whole family, you are in our prayers.

Katie Allison & Sam Scarcello

August 24, 2025

We send our deepest condolences to Madina´s family.

Madina can´t be summed up in words-she had an energy that was incredible. She was clever, intelligent and beautiful, and she carried that intelligence with grace, with wit, with an ease that drew people in and made them feel seen, understood and valued.

She was articulate and charming, but never in a way that sought attention. Her words carried weight because they came from a heart that was genuine. You could not say a bad word about her-because she lived in such a way that made you want to be better, kinder, more thoughtful, just by being in her presence.

Over the last 13 years, I have been blessed to call her my friend. What made our friendship so special was its effortless strength. During COVID, when she and I were both trying to navigate motherhood in quarantine, our weekend dinners were the highlights of the month. We never ran out of topics to chat about or things to laugh about. When the Rhines left Chicago, our friendship carried on to the occasional phone date, group chat banter, Instagram meme "pebbling" and holiday visits. And even if we went a month or two without speaking, when we reunited, it was as though no time had passed. I knew she would always have my back, and I believe she knew I´d always have hers.

From day 1, I knew how much she loved John. He was her person, and she was his.

Her girls were her heart walking around in the world, her greatest pride, her deepest joy. Though her time with them was far too short, the love she gave was immeasurable, and it will continue to live within them, shaping who they are and who they will become. We will always be there to help T & Z remember their mom-how much joy she brought to their lives, and how much she loved them.

Her passing in such a tragic way leaves a silence that feels unbearable. Even in our grief, we can hold onto the extraordinary light she brought into our lives. We will carry forward the example she set for us-of friendship that endures, of words that matter, of love that is unconditional. She was a ray of sunshine.

Madina was, and always will be, unforgettable. She touched our lives in ways that will never fade.

We miss her so much. Rest easy, beautiful friend.

Love, Katie (& Sam)

Katie Allison

August 24, 2025

She was the most beautiful human, inside and out. I miss her dearly. I have saved videos, also, so that we can always hear her voice.

Katie Allison

August 24, 2025

Paul Chaignon

August 24, 2025

My condolences and support go out to her loved ones. Madina was an exceptional person, whose intelligence was matched only by her kindness, her joie de vivre and love for her family. Meeting her was a joy and a blessing, and her memory will stay with me forever.

Megan

August 24, 2025

There was so much beauty and truth in everything Madina did. She forged deep, warm friendships and was fiercely loyal and gracefully honest. She was a light unto us all. My deepest condolences.

Arian Taheri

August 24, 2025

Arian Jan and Mahmood Jan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can´t imagine the pain you must be feeling. Please know your Angel is in Heaven with other Angels. She May Rest In Peace and God give you strength and healing.

Dr Taqi Taheri Family

August 24, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to the loved ones!

Caitlin

August 24, 2025

Madina´s boundless love for her family, and especially her children, was well known. She was a passionate, beautiful, and intelligent force of nature, who will be missed by all who knew her. There are no words to express our sadness for your loss of a truly one-of-a-kind human.

Debra Cope

August 24, 2025

We were so deeply saddened to learn of Madina´s passing. We first met her when she was just 15, not long after we moved in next door, and we remember her as a warm and vibrant young lady who always had a kind word for the two girls on the backyard swing set. When she later got her little dog, Stella, we remember how Stella would romp happily through the yard - to the kids´ delight! Her intelligence and big heart always were evident and her parents were so proud of her. These memories of Madina´s kindness and bright spirit will always stay with us. Please know that we are holding you in our hearts during this difficult time.

Claudia Vignola

August 24, 2025

God bless your beautiful soul Madina.
Rest in peace.

Kendra Roman

August 24, 2025

I am so sorry for this loss. Spring Hill teachers will certainly be there to help support how ever we can!

Emma whitecotton

August 24, 2025

I am so sorry for the loss of Medina. God Rest her soul

Star Adams

August 24, 2025

Madina was an incredible person. Her beauty and sharp intellect were only surpassed by her wit. I am so grateful for the true friendship that she extended to me over the years; Madina was especially supportive when I was going through a hard time. I was older yet learned so much from her. Praying for her loving husband, precious daughters, incredible mother, and everyone who had the privilege to know her.

Kirsten Ahern

August 24, 2025

I am absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. Madina was a shining light. She made every room she walked into better. My heart goes out to all of you.

Lydia

August 23, 2025

To Madina's family: We know that no words are enough right now. We are so terribly sorry for your loss of a mother, wife, daughter, and sister. We will dearly miss Madina's warmth, friendship, kindness, humor, and ability to connect with others and make them feel valued. She had an ability to get to know others faster and better than most, make others laugh, and support her friends. She was generous and warm in a way no one else could be. She always referred to her daughters with such love and pride, her face lighting up, and I know she loved them beyond measure. John, she called you the love of her life when talking about you. Mahmood and Arian, she loved you so dearly and was so proud of and thankful for the life you built for your family and the care and love you have already shared with Talia and Zara. Harris, she spoke of how much she valued your sibling bond. All I can hope is that you will know the love she clearly had for all of you, which was clear to friends and colleagues, will forever be with you. Praying for you all.

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

The Hollis Family

Sent Flowers

Family Attaie

August 23, 2025

We will hold you for ever in our heart

Jolanta Bahena

August 23, 2025

My heart goes out to Denise, John, Talia, and Zara during this incredibly difficult time. I hope you can find some comfort in the love that surrounds your family.

Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to support you or lighten the load in the days ahead, I´m here.

With love and deepest sympathy,
Jolanta

Kelly Nguyen

August 23, 2025

Madina was a brilliant and kind woman, and I´ll always cherish memories of our time in Cape Town. Many prayers and thoughts go out to her family. I am so sorry for their loss.

Rebecca Odell

August 23, 2025

So incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Love, Rebecca, Petar, Evie & Max

Aubrey, Ben, Seh Hee Choi

August 23, 2025

Our sincerest condolences to John and Zara for this tragic loss. We can´t imagine how this must feel. Our hearts are deeply saddened. Such a beautiful life lived full of light and love. Sending our prayers and support at this time.

Aubrey, Ben, and Seh Hee Choi

Alan Frazier

August 23, 2025

Madina was so kind and a ray of light. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Thinking of you all.

Alan

Jonathan and Alexis

August 23, 2025

Madina was just a lovely person. Our thoughts are with her entire family and her children especially.

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Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Bart J Cannon posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2025

LH posted to the memorial.

August 25, 2025

Nazifa Wyshak posted to the memorial.