Elissa Rellihan Ruppert, devoted wife, mother
Elissa Rellihan Ruppert passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025. She was born July 8, 1976.
Elissa is survived by her husband, Kevin Ruppert; and their children, Lucas, Ella and Julia Ruppert. She is also survived by her parents, Steven and Elaine Hodgson Rellihan; her sisters, Rebecca Rellihan Brush (Chris) and Eden Rellihan Jenkins (Clark); her brother, Andrew Michael Rellihan (Katherine); and her mother-in-law, Mary Jane Ruppert. Elissa leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who cherished her deeply. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Joseph Ruppert.
Elissa will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, loyal friend, and a passionate, dedicated coach.
Elissa grew up in Catonsville, Md., and later moved to Rehoboth Beach with her husband Kevin, where they quickly became part of the community, establishing long-lasting relationships with many great friends.
If you knew Elissa, you knew how deeply she loved her family, her friends, and every moment of life. She had an unforgettable smile, a quick wit, and a laugh that was as contagious as her joy for living. Elissa embraced life with open arms. She rarely said no; instead, she found a way to say yes, to make things happen, and to bring people together. Whether it was a celebration or a quiet moment of support, she always showed up, ready to cheer you on or to simply hold your hand when you needed it most. Elissa was often the last to leave any event, never wanting to miss out on a special moment.
She will be deeply and forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, fundraise.cff.org/AnnapolisGS2025/ElissaRuppertMemorial?tab=Dashboard; or Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel. In the drop-down menu for “Please designate my gift to support,” select “Other” and enter Dr. Azad’s Research.
A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. A second viewing will take place the same day from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th Street, Lewes. Interment will follow at noon, at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, 600 Savannah Road, Lewes.
To share memories and view Elissa’s Life Memorial webpage, visit parsellfuneralhomes.com.
