Myrna L. Rea

Myrna L. Rea, of Akron, Ohio, was born on January 29, 1937.  She was the daughter of Judge and Mrs. (Fern) William H. Victor.

Myrna is survived by Dick Rea (Richard B. Rea DDS) – her loving husband of 64 years.  Myrna and Dick met at Buchtel High School and graduated in the class of 1954.  Myrna graduated from Kent State University with a degree in teaching in 1958 and also served as President of her Alpha Phi sorority.

She was passionate about the years she spent teaching first-grade, at-risk children in Columbus while her husband completed dental school.  She often said, “I felt strongly that if I could get them to read, I could change their path in life.”

She was an avid reader and loved history and a wide range of literature.  She traveled to many countries and immersed herself in cultural experiences.  She was most often seen right here in NE Ohio riding her bicycle with her husband along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. As a polio survivor, she made a conscious and disciplined commitment to maintaining her strength through daily exercise and a healthy diet.

As a lifelong Akron resident, Myrna enjoyed a vibrant and volunteer-driven life that included close friends and many acquaintances.   She served as the President of the Dental Auxiliary; was a decades- long member of the Women’s Board of Akron General Hospital, raised funds for the March of Dimes and was a member of the Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists at Summa Health.  She was also a member of the Women’s City Club and Portage Country Club.

She spent many years volunteering her time during the creation of Blossom Music Center. She loved the arts, the Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom.  She included the arts in her daily aesthetic by embracing home décor, floral design, classical music and fashion.  She possessed an elegant style and was known for her beauty, vibrant red hair and green eyes.    She loved to entertain friends and family and took great joy in creating elaborate and sophisticated table decor.

Much of her life was dedicated to her two daughters (Julia and Anne) and her three grandchildren.  Daughter Julia Rea Bianchi, her husband David and grandson Trent. Daughter Anne Marie Adams, her husband Alan and grandchildren Reid and Sarah (Piper).  She was a keen listener, an excellent communicator and always offered a word of encouragement, wisdom and or humor to her family.  She was a loving and gracious mother and grandmother, cherished and adored by all.  The grandchildren fondly recall the fun she brought as their “mimi” from late-night root beer floats to walks in the woods to traveling by plane to be present for a school play.

She is also survived by her loving brother William H. Victor Jr, his wife Bonnie and nephew Brandon; and niece Lisa.

Myrna would want to be remembered as gracious and kind.  She took the time to listen to the many people who crossed her daily path with empathy and words of encouragement.  She truly had a warm and generous heart and tried to be the best person she could be on a daily basis.  She lived her life with honor, grace, reverence, integrity and joy.

Please consider supporting Myrna’s love for the arts by donating to Blossom Music Center, Cleveland Orchestra, https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/donate/ in her memory.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.