Edith Dodson Realey, 85, of Hockessin, and formerly a longtime resident of the Willow Run neighborhood, died on Friday, February 16, 2024.
Edie was born and raised in the Brandywine Hundred area and was a graduate of A. I. du Pont High School. During her life “Speedy” worked at several places, starting as a teenager at the long-gone Lynthwaite Farm ice cream shop located on the site of the current Concord Mall. As an adult, Edie worked at the Bell Telephone Company, The Phone Center Store, and ultimately retired from Henkels & McCoy. She was a devoted Christian and lifetime member of Grace Episcopal Church where she served on the cemetery committee and the Vestry and was a member of The Women of Grace. Edie was a member of St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society and also The Pioneers Retirees of the Bell Telephone Company. Aunt Edie loved animals and gardening at her home, especially favoring her daisies. She excelled at crafts and loved making gifts and writing poems for her family and friends. Edie’s greatest treasure was her family and her happiest times were spent with her family – especially her two grandsons.
Edie was preceded in death in 2009 by her beloved husband of 50 years, Richard G. Realey, Sr. and in 2020 by her son, Richard G. Realey, Jr. She was also predeceased by her parents, Earle and Ella May Greenfield Dodson, and her siblings: Earle and James Dodson, Dottie Spaulding, and Ruth Johnson.
Edie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Rob Feby; her grandsons, Patrick Cochran (Cait Devonshire), Conor Cochran (Nikki Diver), and Alex Feby; her great-grandson, Torin Cochran; and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing for Edie will be held from 11am-12:30pm on Friday, February 23 at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike followed at 1pm by a graveside service at Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church Sunday School, 4900 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE19803.
