Rhea Spinelle, age 78, passed away on April 16, 2021, in Greer, SC.  She was a beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.  Rhea was born and raised in Chicago.   While she had a tiny stature, she had a mountain of strength.  She was a force to be reckoned with.  She loved God, her family, her friends, traveling, and working in her yard - she had a green thumb that surely skipped her children's generation.  She had an extensive vocabulary and loved word games.  She was a selfless and extraordinary role model.  She worked hard, and was true to her word, and had a fun sense of humor.  She was musically and artistically talented - playing piano and accordion in her youth, and everyone loved her beautiful, fancy handwriting which was self taught.  She was often asked to handprint wedding invitations, baptismal certificates, and other special documents.  She also had a love of languages and had taught English as a second language for a few years in her 30s.  She was a quick learner and could speak a little of almost 10 languages and sounded like she was a native.  Rhea will always be remembered for her unwavering love and strength.  She was incredibly generous, dependable, and kind.  All were blessed to have her in their lives.

Rhea was preceded in death by her husband John; Rhea is survived by her children, Mark Kuperman, Hayley (Dale) Steen, Elisa (Mario) Pantaleo, and Matthew (Julia) Kuperman; 8  grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; as well as many special friends and relatives.

Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home 820 W. Talcott Road, Park Ridge, IL. Farewell prayers will begin at 1 p.m.

For info 847-823-5122