Mary Rea Weidlein

Mary Rea Weidlein passed away peacefully in her home in Rector on April 26, 2022. She was born November 25, 1920, to Julia Dodge Rea and James Childs Rea in Pittsburgh, PA. Mary married Edward R. Weidlein, Jr. on June 19, 1943, and was deeply devoted to him until his death in 2005. She is survived by five children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and one brother, Bayard Rea.
Mary was both strong and gentle, adventurous and humble. She loved nature and was an accomplished horticulturalist. She attended the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women (now part of Temple University) and in years since has won many awards, most recently from The Garden Club of America for 35 years of service to the Garden Club of Allegheny County. Service was a part of her life. While living in the New York City area from 1960 until the early 1980's, she served as trustee of the YWCA of New York, The Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, The Herb Society of America, and on the Vestry of St. Matthews Church in Bedford, NY. After returning to Rector with her husband in 1983, she served on the Vestry of St. Michael's Church and was a trustee of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, the Fort Ligonier Association, and the Ligonier Valley Endowment.

Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her mind remained sharp right until her last days, always ready to discuss the news, arrange flowers, write letters to family members or talk with her grandchildren. She chose to see the best in every person she encountered throughout her life.

The immediate family will hold a private burial service and plans a Memorial Celebration of Life on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Michael's Church, Rector, or the SAMA Museum.