Madina Rhine

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.