Ellen Rubin Cades

Ellen was a wonderfully devoted wife, a loving mother to Michelle Cades (Andy Loggia) and Deborah Cades (Dash Rodman), a cherished MomMom to Ari Loggia, Noah Loggia, Aviva Loggia, Delia Rodman and Sadie Rodman, a treasured sister to Ruth Duffine (Geoff) and a loved aunt, cousin and sister-in-law.

She was born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1947, and lived there until 1966, shortly after graduating from Temple University. A few years later, she obtained her MS in English Literature at the University of Maryland, racing to finish her comprehensive exams before going into labor with her first daughter days later. She met her beloved and devoted husband Steve and they were married within a few months, in 1969, and they would have celebrated their 56th anniversary just a few weeks after Ellen’s death.

Ellen was the kind of person who wholeheartedly threw herself into any commitments. She served as the Chairman of the Board of the 2,000 member strong Parent & Child, which provided pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood education. She was the PTA co-president at Wayside Elementary School and served as the Montgomery County PTA Volunteer Representative to the School Board. Many will also remember her as a wonderful, long-time neighborhood Brownie Troop leader.

Ellen held strong Jewish beliefs and identity. She attended Gratz College in Philadelphia and taught religious school at two synagogues in Montgomery County. Previously, she was a special educator and then managed her husband’s business office, Spectro Associates, Inc., for over 20 years, partnering with Steve in every aspect of the work.

She and Steve were fortunate to retire early and eagerly shift to their much anticipated roles as world travelers and grandparents. She was blessed to have a family relationship that allowed her to take care of her three local grandchildren one day a week from their infancies through their elementary years. It was a treasured bonding experience for everyone.

Ellen was known by friends for her wonderful smile and for being a caring and sweet person; she was the first to bring brownies to new neighbors and always sent cards to people near and far, celebrating milestone events. She will be sorely missed by many close, loved friends who were like extended family.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel at Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, MD, on Monday, July 21 at 1:00 PM. Shiva will be held at the Cades residence in Potomac after the funeral and at 7:30 PM Monday and Tuesday, and at the home of Michelle Cades and Andy Loggia in Herndon, VA, on Wednesday evening. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FARE (Food Allergy & Research Education), Planned Parenthood, or the Jewish charity of your choosing.