Maria E.

Rea

Maria Esperanza Rea, 97, of East Moline, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2026, at her residence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Parish at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, with recitation of the rosary at 4:00 pm. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, East Moline. Memorials may be made to the family or to Our Lady of Grace Parish at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline.

Maria was born on February 8, 1929, in Irapuato, GTO, Mexico, the daughter of Julio and Alejandra (Angel) Valtierra. She married Paulo Rea on August 24, 1946, in Irapuato, GTO, Mexico. She had worked and retired as a seamstress for Seaford Clothing Co. in Rock Island. Maria enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She could always be found in her gardens tending to her flowers and vegetables. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. Maria had many properties and could be found helping doing remodeling projects. She enjoyed her trees and planted many throughout the Quad Cities. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Maria is survived by her children, Herlinda (Bruce) Soukup, Maria (James) Cross, Alicia (Dennis) Harker, Sharon (Thomas) Cross, Joan (Jeff) Cuppy, Richard Rea, and Pablo Julio Rea; grandchildren, Christina (Steve) Kratzberg, Jim (Michelle) Harker, John Harker, Anitra (Matt) Whiting, Diego (Raquel) Cross, Bruce (Sarah) Soukup, Joseph (Michele) Soukup, Steve (Kara) Soukup, Laina (Jeremy) Cross-Harris, Susana Leinbach, Tamara (Kayleb) Burleson, Thomas (Kyleigh) Cross, Cody (Briana) Cuppy, Kaylee (Joseph) Floyd, Alyssa Rea, and Carin Bowser; 30 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister-in-law, Catalina Valtierra Rea and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paulo Rea; parents; brothers, Juan, and Merced Valtierra; sisters, Bonafacia, Eluteria, Alcadia, and Margarita; and grandchildren, David Harker and Isaac Paulo Cuppy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Beacon of Hope Hospice Nurses and Nurse Aides, for the compassionate care and kindness given to them and Maria. Special thanks are also extended to Sue Cross and friend, Linda Noppe for their support and companionship.