Mary Dea (1836-1924)

DEA

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/13/2008 at 15:01:50

MRS. MARY B. DEA 1836-1924
Death of a Pioneer Lady

Mrs. Mary B. (Barron) Dea, died at her house west of Avoca in Pleasant township Sunday January 20, 1924, aged 87 years, 7 months, and 20 days. The funeral was held Monday forenoon at 10 o’clock at St. Mary’s church with interment in the Avoca cemetery.

Mrs. Mary B. Dea was born in Ireland May 30, 1836. When a young girl she came to America with her parents. Shortly after her marriage to John Dea they moved to the farm in Pleasant township which is now known as the Dea farm, where they lived until the death of Mr. Jua June 18, 1921.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dea were born five daughters and fours one; one daughter, Miss Nora, died May 18, 1919. Those who survive are Mrs. Delia Gross of Wisner, Nebraska; Sister Doloris of Keota, Iowa; Miss Kathleen Dea of Shelby; and Miss Margaret of Council Bluffs; Martin of Montana; Michael of Lake Bay, Washington; John and Will of Pleasant township. All the children, except Martin and Michael were present at the funeral services.

Mrs. Dea was one of the pioneer ladies of Pleasant township. She saw western Iowa as a vast prairie waste grow to one of the most beautiful spots of the earth, a rich farming community. She was a lady of character and ability and through her influence, life was made worth the living to many who came in contact with her hospitality and home during the early pioneer days. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved ones.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald