Barbara Katherine (Blodgett) Rea

YORK – Barbara Katherine (Blodgett) Rea, 96, died at Normandie Ridge where she had been a resident. She was the wife of the late Earl W. Rea to whom she married on May 29, 1943. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 8, 2015 in the Chapel at Normandie Ridge, 1700 Normandie Dr., York with her chaplain, The Rev. David L. Brinker officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-11:00 AM Monday at Normandie Ridge. Private burial will be in Mt. Rose Cemetery. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born March 17, 1919 in Montgomery Center, VT, she was the daughter of the late Dean and Amy Blodgett. Barbara graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1937 and received a B.S. in Education from the University of Vermont in 1941. She later received her Master’s in Education from Penn State University in 1961. She was employed by Bendix-Aviation in Philadelphia during World War II as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Barbara began her teaching career with Abington Township School District in Abington, PA before relocating to York in 1957. She again resumed teaching with the York Suburban School District from 1957 through 1983. Over the years, Barbara has been a member of Asbury United Methodist Church since 1957. She was also a member of The Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) and a variety of both Church and community services. She is a life member of Penn State Alumni Assoc., York County Retired Pennsylvania School Employees Assoc., and the York Hospital Foundation. Barbara was also an active member of the York Hiking Club and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels in the York area for 30 years. She is survived by her son, Richard E. Rea of York; a grandson, Jonathan E. Rea of York; and a sister Mary Fearon of St. Johnsbury, VT. Barbara was preceded in death by two sisters, Marjorie Galamore and Helen Blodgett; and two brothers, Richard and Warren Blodgett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Barbara Rea Memorial Fund at Normandie Ridge, 1700 Normandie Dr., York, PA 17408 or Asbury U.M. Church, 340 E. Market St., York, PA 17403.