Mary Elizabeth Rea, 74, of Carthage, IL passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Carthage Memorial Hospital.

Mary was born on March 15, 1949, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Ruth (Klingele) Peter. She graduated from Unity High School in Mendon, Illinois in 1967. She attended Western Illinois University earning a BA in education and later earned her master’s degree in Home Economics. On July 18, 1970, she was united in marriage to Robert Leach in Mendon, Illinois. They had two children, Andrew, and Lindsey. He preceded her in death in 1993. Mary married Richard Rea on July 27, 1996, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage.

Mary was a lifelong teacher. She taught special education at Carl Sandburg, worked at the alternative school in Carthage, she taught home economics at Dallas City High School until it’s closing and finished her teaching career in Nauvoo, retiring in 2010.  She enjoyed sewing and gardening, but particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard; two children, Andrew Leach of Carthage, Il, and Lindsey (Eric) Bergmann of Carthage, Il; three grandchildren, Oren, Atley and Eliza Bergmann; a sister, Judy (Robert) Duesterhaus of Quincy, Il; two brothers, Ross Peter of Estero, FL, and Ray (Kay) Peter of Fowler, Il; three sisters in law, Mary Ann Peter, Rose Mary Rea, and Carol (Donald) Hockmuth, and a brother in law, Mike (Evelyn) Rea, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Leach, a brother, Albert Peter; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Peter; a nephew, Ryan Peter and a niece, Michelle Tang.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage. Interment will be immediately following the funeral service at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 3 PM-7 PM, with family meeting friends from 5 PM-7 PM on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial may be directed to St. Jude’s or donor’s choice.