Obituary of Rea Arlene Brown

Rea Arlene Brown, age 86, passed from this life on February 14, 2022. Her finals hours were a reflection of her entire life. Surrounded by those she loved, reminiscing about special times, hearing her daughters sing her a sweet song she sang to them as children, and having her precious great grandchildren sing to her and play violin. Rea, the youngest of three daughters was born March 19, 1935 in Cooks Washington too Ted and Erna Berry. The Berry family moved to Shelton and owned the Maple Court Store. Rea attended Shelton schools, where she was the cute little majorette marching in front of the band, graduating from Irene S. Reed in 1953. Rea and her sisters Naomi Stewart (Vern) and Jean Howard (Dode) had lovely singing voices and often sang for family and friends. In high school she met and married a local boy and the love of her life Bill Brown. With love, laughter, hard work and a solid faith Bill and Rea made a life and a family in Mason County; first in Dayton, then Kamilche. Rea held several jobs but most will remember her for her 20 years driving school bus, the Indian Education program at Bordeaux or the Deli at Squaxin Island tribe. Rea also famously raised two strong daughters Shelley Rawding (Ross) and Traci Salmi (Frank). She passed on great family values, faith and a sense of fun but sadly not her singing talent. Rea was lively and fun. She enjoyed bingo, pinochle, cribbage, traveling, wintering in Arizona, singing and every moment with her grandkids and great grandkids. Rea and Bill began wintering in Arizona in the mid eighties where they often attended and co-coached Mariners Spring Training. Bill died in 1995 and Rea continued to lead her family until she joined her sweetheart on Valentines Day. Rea leaves her two daughters, seven grandchildren: Will Anderson (Brittny), Sadie Tilson (Rob), Jason Anderson (Andrea), Lindsey Herron (Ty), Justin Salmi (CJ), Corey Rawding (Deanna), and Kristin Schmidt. A sister, Alicia Heggerston (Jerry). Also numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends. A memorial service and celebration to commemorate a blessed life well lived will be held on March 19 - which would have been her 87th birthday - at Grace Community Covenant Church, 5501 Wiggins Rd. SE Olympia at 11:00am.