BRUNSWICK — Rhea M. Pelkey, 73, of 225 Gurnet Road died Saturday June 30, 2012 at her home with her family by her side.

She was born July 2, 1939, daughter of Edouard Bernier and Alfreda Martin Bernier. She attended St. Johns and Brunswick High Schools. She was married To Patrick Pelkey March 12, 1957 in Atlanta, Ga. From there she and her husband owned and operated Pelkey Motors in Brunswick, until they retired in 1997.

After her husbands passing in 2006, she became employed with Target of Topsham, where she truly loved to be. She enjoyed sharing her sense of humor with the world, spending time with friends and family, and always loved to grab a bite to eat at the Topsham Fairground Cafe.

She was loved by everyone ever lucky enough to meet her, and could always cheer you up with her keen sense of humor. She acted as a role model to all that crossed her path, and was known by most as, Memere, with the exception of her colleagues whom all called her “Miss Rhea”. She was the first to go without in a time of need, and would be happy to give you her last dollar or even the shirt off her back.

She was predeceased by her husband Patrick of 49 years, and her brothers, Andre, Remy, Robert, Evariste, Edward, and Henry Bernier. She is survived by her daughter Lena Pelkey, and step daughter Donna Burch, two step sons, David and Gerald Pelkey all of Brunswick, two sisters, Priscilla Bellanger of Brunswick and Constance Bernier of New Jersey, two brothers Armand Bernier of Orr’s Island and Antoine Bernier of North Carolina, a step brother Dana Storer of Old Town, two grandsons, Tyler Olson and his wife Pebbles, and Kyle Olson and his fiance Julianna, who were also her caregivers in her time of need. She also leaves three great grandchildren, Anthony, Lincoln, and Patrick.

Viewing hours will be held Thursday July 5 from 4-7 p.m. at the Brackett Funeral home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday July 6 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, followed by burial. There will be a gathering following the burial at the Topsham Fairground Cafe.