Patricia K. Rea, 80, of Burlington, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington.
Born July 30, 1942, in Keokuk, she was the daughter of John and Myrtle Peacock Rea.
She was in the first graduating class to complete all 4 years at Notre Dame High School. In 1960 then attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kan., and received her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude. She continued her education at the University of Iowa and received her master's degree in English, and her J.D Degree from the University of North Carolina.
From 1978 to 1987, she was the assistant to the President, affirmative action officer at Western Illinois University. From 1987-1995, she was the assistant vice chancellor for legal affairs, Board of Governors Universities. Then, from 1995-1997, she was the acting associate provost/program associate. From 1997 until 1999, she was the independent higher education legal consultant. Patricia was an attorney for the University of Illinois and was the main lawyer who assisted them with their pension plan.
Patricia enjoyed photography, flowers, and gardens. She enjoyed painting landscapes and entered many art shows, selling her paintings. She loved to read and was in many book clubs. Patricia loved the Mississippi River and took cooking classes. She always had a cat to keep her company.
Survivors include her nephews, David (Dana) Moraniec of Ankeny, Mark Moraniec of Waterloo, and Dominic "Nick" (Stacy) Moraniec of Gladstone, Ill.; nieces, Therese (Ted) Spitulski of Moneta, Vir., Monica (David) Mundhenke of Waterloo, Maria (Joel) Hoshaw of Johnstown, Pa., and Mary (Ken) Henry of Alpharetta, Ga., and many great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Margaret Moraniec, brother-in-law, Bob Moraniec, and nephew, Jimmy Moraniec.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Ms. Rea will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.