PATRICIA ANNE REA

Patricia (Tricia) Anne Rea (nee Walsh) (1935–2025) passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on April 7th, with her beloved husband, John Charles Rea, by her side. Born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, she was the youngest of eight children and cherished memories from her early family years in Grangetown.

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Tricia pursued higher education with a BA and MA in history, and became a dedicated educator. She met John soon after his return from Australia, and their love story endured for 62 years, marked by a heartfelt "J + P" motif in their homes over the decades. They emigrated to Canada in 1965, beginning an adventurous journey in Canada and the USA as John pursued his career. 

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After her child rearing years, she earned an MPA in public administration and became executive director of medical personnel for five hospitals at the Medical Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and subsequently developed public policy for the Canadian Hospital Association in Ottawa.She and John retired to Victoria in 1997. 

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In retirement, Tricia and John traveled widely, including tours on all of the continents and did more than twenty house exchanges around the world.They formed lasting friendships over these years. Beyond her professional and personal achievements,Tricia was an avid tennis player who completed in the mother/daughter national championships with Catherine and won mixed doubles at the BC Senior Games with John. She was also a gifted bridge player, avid reader, baker, knitter, and a sharp bargain hunter. She was cherished for her wisdom, humor, and deep connections with family and friends.

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Tricia is survived by her husband, four daughters, Elizabeth (Stephen), Jane (Greg), Anna (Rixey) and Catherine (Erik) and nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Emma, Sean, Thomas, David, Kaitlyn, Benjamin, Claire and Colin as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at an extended family reunion in June in Ontario.