Margaret Amelia (Russell) Rea passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday November 7, 2026. She is the proud mother of Barrie & Donna Rutherford, B.J. and Terri Rutherford, Brian and Carey Rutherford and their children. She was predeceased by her daughter Bonnie Rutherford and husband Harvey Rea.
Born in Blenheim to Eveline (Jackson) & Ivan Russell 89 years ago, Marg was one of five children and is survived by her sister Audrey (Robert) Sherry, her brother Ernie Russell (Eleanor) and her sister-in-law Lillian Russell. She was predeceased by her brothers Garnet (Dorothy) and Leslie Russell.
Marg helped many folks in Blenheim as a bookkeeper and the owner of Rea Bookkeeping & Tax Service, a company she held with Harvey for over 50 years. She was involved in community groups, becoming a member of the Moose Lodge in 1978, being appointed as the Grand Regent for all of Ontario. She joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Ladies Auxiliary in 1970 and was also a faithful member of the Blenheim Baptist Church. A lover of nature and water, she and Harvey loved their house on the lake in Erieau. She spent many hours admiring the ever-changing views and summer weekends on their boat.
Marg’s last years were spent at the Blenheim Community Village. She kept her mind sharp by completing crossword puzzles and sudoku. She was an avid reader of the Blenheim News Tribune, keeping each edition stacked neatly and chronologically for an entire year before parting with them. A warm thank you is extended to everyone there for their kindness and care.
A private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery.
