Tributes are flowing for little Imogen Rea, who passed away this Thursday (January 11) at four years and one month of age after a life-long battle against brain cancer. Imogen was the youngest daughter of Macquarie College (Wallsend, NSW) chaplain Pastor Brad Rea and his wife Christie. The couple also has four daughters.
“Imogen fought valiantly until her very last breath, holding on as long as she possibly could,” said Mrs Rea in a statement on social media this Friday. “She was surrounded by her sisters, who beautifully loved and kissed and cared for her into the early hours of the morning. Brad sang songs to her and I was able to hold her and cuddle her to sleep for the last time until Jesus comes,” she added.
In the statement, Mrs Rea thanked everybody for all the support “over these four beautiful, challenging years” and asked for prayers, “please pray for Brad, myself and our older four girls (…) to find strength each day from now until Heaven, because that’s how long this pain will last”.
Countless tributes have been shared online since Mrs Rea announced Imogen’s passing.
In a statement posted on the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) social platforms, NNSW president Pastor Cristian Copaceanu said, “Brad, Christie and their wonderful girls have been an invaluable part of our ministry family over many years, and we grieve with them at this most difficult time.”
Church members, family and friends have shared the following special memories:
“Imogen’s smile, kind spirit and grateful heart will always make me smile. Sending love to the whole family.”—Melanie Dowling
“She was an inspiration and a blessing to us all.”—Bec Martin
“Imogen was a true miracle in every way. [She] will always be our amazing fighter!”—LeAnna Headley
“What a beautiful, immense difference sweet Imogen made in this world. What a lovely light! Four years and one month—and forever shining bright for hope and love and life!”—Lisa Ingelse
“Sweet baby Imogen will always be remembered for her courageous fight, her beautiful smile and her remarkable resilience. I pray Jesus wraps his arms around you all and you feel his love like a warm blanket.”—Leanne McPherson
