Irene R. Rex, age 73, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord on December 20, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family after a hard-fought battle with MDS and Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Irene was born in Wilmington to the late Olga and Stephen Rybachak. She was a graduate of P.S. DuPont High School, class of 1970.Irene enjoyed a distinguished career in banking spanning over 40 years. Throughout that time, she held various positions as a highly valued team member, providing trusted support to executive leaders, leadership teams and corporate Boards at Delaware Trust Company, Delaware National Bank, and Fulton Bank. Just as in her personal life, Irene was deeply appreciated by her colleagues for her unwavering loyalty, integrity, and dedication to others. She formed many meaningful and lasting relationships, and her professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with her.
After retiring from Fulton Bank, Irene enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, Audrey and John McGee who brought her so much joy. She was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and a member of the DuPont Country Club where she made many new friends.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Olga and Stephen Rybachak; her sisters, Stephana Rybachak and Vera Chalfant; her husband Charles D. Rex (d. 2019) and first husband John C. McGee (d. 1978).She is survived by her son, Shawn McGee; daughter Kelly McGee-Blodgett and husband Chris; brother Stephen Rybachak and wife Sally; brother-in-law Paul Chalfant; sister-in-law Mary Campbell; grandchildren Audrey and John McGee; stepsons David and Jim Rex; stepdaughter Kimberly Ayars and many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as friends who she thought of as family.
Friends may call at St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, 2300 West Huntington Drive and Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808 from 10:00 - 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 30th. A funeral service will follow immediately after visitation. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants and Christiana Hospital’s 6E and 4E.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene’s memory to St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, 2300 W. Huntington Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808 or to Blood Cancer United.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
