Monica Elaine Reo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Monica Elaine Reo, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Monica entered her eternal rest on December 11, 2024, at the age of 77.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on January 22, 1947, Monica grew up with a bright spirit and a love for learning. A proud graduate of Lakeview High School, she began her professional journey as a cosmetologist, where her creativity and skill brought beauty to those she served. Later, with determination and passion, she followed her dreams and trained to become a world-renowned doll artist. The first half of her doll career involved creating reproduction dolls. With the encouragement from her husband, she pursued further training at the Center for Creative Studies at Wayne State University where she learned how to sculpt her own original dolls. Her beautiful creations were featured in numerous publications and reproduced by Marie Osmond and Richard Simmons and sold on home shopping television. Her remarkable talent touched countless lives and brought joy to collectors and admirers around the globe for over twenty years.

Married for 55 years to her devoted husband, John Reo, their love story was a testament to their dedication to each other and their faith. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith, creating cherished memories that will endure forever. Gatherings with family and friends, lively poolside afternoons, and pitching in at church pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners were just a few of the moments that defined her generous heart and her love for others. She always had a moment to spare to lift someone up and had a heart for underdogs.

Faith was the cornerstone of Monica’s life. Her well-worn Bible was always within reach, and she found solace and strength in the Word. Many mornings she could be found snuggled on the couch with a steaming cup of coffee reading God’s word and praying. She lived her faith daily, sharing her love for her Savior through her actions, kindness, and steadfast devotion. Monica is survived by her loving husband, John Reo; her children, Andrea (Rich) Reo-Pethick, Mary (RJ) Plude; her grandchildren, Joseph, Jack and John Dodge and Peter and AJ Plude; her Godson, Paul DeAngelis: and her loving sisters-in-law,

Christine Reo and Margaret (Kim) Raley, and brother-in-law, Michael (Sherri) Reo, and dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her biological mother, Elizabeth Garavaglia, her brother, John Garavaglia, her father, Joseph Garavaglia, and her mother, Flora Garavaglia.

Friends, family, and loved ones are invited to join in the visitation to honor and celebrate the life of Monica.

Date: Friday, December 27, 2024

Time: Visitation 11am to 1pm, Service 1 pm

Hill Funeral Home

11723 S. Saginaw St

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

Though her passing leaves an empty space in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior, surrounded by eternal love. Her legacy of faith, love, and creativity will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know her.

Rest in peace, Monica. You were deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.