Irene E. Reed

Buzzards Bay Irene E. (Anderson) Reed, passed away July 17, 2008, after a period of failing health. Mrs. Reed was born in Brockton, Aug. 5, 1914, daughter of the late Arthur and Vera (Jackson) Anderson. She grew up in the predominately Swedish community in the Campello section of the city and was very proud of her Swedish heritage. She graduated from Brockton High School in 1932 and briefly attended nursing school at Jefferson Center in Philadelphia. Upon her return to Brockton, she was employed by Sheridan's Department Store in Quincy. On Aug. 15, 1942, she married Harrison E. Reed of Brockton and traveled with him during his Army training prior to his deployment to Europe. The couple moved to Bridgewater in 1949. Mrs. Reed was an active member of the Gammons Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent for nearly 40 years. She was also active in the women's mission group and the Sumas Amice couples group. The family's life revolved around church activities, friends and camping at Peters Pond in South Sandwich. For many years, Mrs. Reed was employed at JH Fairbanks Hardware Store as a clerk/bookkeeper. In 1978, the couple retired to West Wareham, where they lived until moving to their daughters home in 2004. In 2005, failing health necessitated the move to Cape Cod Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Buzzards Bay, where she lived at the time of her death. Mrs. Reed is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harrison Reed of Sagamore Beach; and her daughters, Susan King of Sagamore Beach and Marilyn Brown of Townsend. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Andrew Brown; her daughter-in-law Catherine Reed of Williamsburg, Va.; and her grandchildren, Lisa Waite of Portland, Ore., Matthew H. Reed and Caroline E. Reed of Williamsburg, Va. She was predeceased by her son, Harrison E. Reed, and her sister, Barbara Anderson Hill. A memorial service will be held at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church, corner of School and Cedar streets, in Bridgewater, at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008. Her burial will take place Monday, July 21, 2008, in Vine Hills Cemetery in Plymouth at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the church school of the Bridgewater United Methodist Church.