Rea was born in Belfast, N. Ireland, on November 29, 1931, to Thomas and Sarah Renton. Her childhood was not a joyful one, but with the assistance of kind neighbors, “Granny and Granda” Kennedy, who effectively raised her, she was encouraged to come to America, which she did in October of 1948, later becoming a U.S. citizen. She lived in Philadelphia with Letty and John Henry, distant relatives of her mother. With the Henrys, she attended Church of the Open Door, and there met John Morrison, whose sister had spoken highly to him of a lovely red-headed Irish girl. They married on February 23, 1952, just weeks before John was inducted into the Army. Rea and John loved each other deeply, celebrating seventy-one years of marriage in 2023.
They are survived by two sons, Greg (Kathleen) and Ken (Pat); grandchildren, Ben Morrison, Joanna Morgan (Cody), Kirsten Briggs, Lauren Quigley (Sean), and Devin Morrison; and great-grandchildren, Kylie, Zoey, and Tristan Quigley, and Ian, Haven, and Ransom Morgan.
Rea was pre-deceased by John and two grandchildren, Ian and Lindsey Morrison.
Rea was very hospitable, a gifted organizer with an extensive memory, able to meet others with ease and retain their names and details—virtually for decades. She was a fastidious housekeeper and loved the outdoors, with day hikes a particular favorite. Her faith in Jesus was strong, personifying “faith with deeds” written of in the book of James, through the generosity of her money, time, and talents. She took her last breath, in peace, on June 22, 2026.
Remembrance will be held on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, with family visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Brandywine Valley Church, 7 Mt. Lebanon Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.
Burial will take place privately.
For online condolences, please visit: mccreryandharra.com
