Lorna Doone Reed

Lorna Doone Reed, widow of John Charter Reed (former Florida Assistant State Attorney General, deceased), passed away on January 28, 2022. Born in Springfield, Illinois, on April 6, 1931, Lorna lived a vibrant, exciting, and full life.

Anyone who knew her was the recipient of her infectious laugh and her zest for life. Lorna always said to grab life while you can and squeeze it to pieces. That she did, from catching bill fish in Bimini and 100-pound tarpons in the Florida Keys, panning for gold in the Alaskan wilderness, to defending herself from surly kitchen staff with her trusty revolver. She was always there for her son, even when he was lost at sea, coping with his aggressive "pet" alligator, or losing a contest to an equally aggressive lawn mower. She was (still is), the best mom any son could hope to have.

She was known for many things, perhaps most prominent was that she always dressed in orange because it made her happy (except for the two weeks near Christmas when red was required). She was also an amazing cook, Sicilian spaghetti beyond compare and endless banana breads upon request. Two of her favorite stories were when Nat King Cole was on one of her flights and gave her a table next to the stage for one of his performances and serenaded her (Tony Bennett sang on another flight), and when she won a bet on a gray horse (at 100 to 1 odds) in a race and bought a new Cadillac (with an orange license plate!) in cash that day with the winnings.

Lorna had a remarkable resume, including graduating from Brown's Business College, winning the Miss Springfield pageant, and such diverse jobs as secretary for the State of Illinois, Eastern Airlines stewardess, real estate agent, owner/ manager of Papa Joe's Bar and Restaurant and of Lorna's Orange Hutch gift shop in Islamorada, FL, manager of the major appliance department for a retail store, and, her last job before retiring at 87, part-time receptionist (and full-time social director) at Del Mar Realty. She relocated to Montana three years ago to be near her son.

Her family was her number one priority: her beloved son Clay, daughter-in-law Anna, niece Vickie, nephew Larry, great-nephew Damien, his wife Megan, and great-great nephews John and Billy, and many, many friends which had become part of the family. She was the best mom and the most fun aunt.

Besides her family, her greatest passion was serving as president of the San Diego Chapter of the Eastern Silverliners, an association of retired Eastern Airlines flight attendants. Lorna was instrumental in arranging a yearly Christmas party, the Flight to the North Pole, for seriously ill children in the San Diego area (through Rady's Children's Hospital). The party was originally hosted by Continental Airlines at Lindbergh Field, but when that venue became unavailable, Lorna lobbied the U.S. Coast Guard station on Harbor Drive. Eventually the Coast Guard agreed and that began a two-decade tradition. Over time, the party became bigger and more spectacular, with Santa arriving by helicopter, a live orchestra, magicians, and appearances from Shamu and friends.

To help defray the costs of the party, Lorna spearheaded an annual "Day at the Races" fundraiser at the Del Mar Racetrack. This yearly August fest became a memorable event in its own right, with dozens of friends and family making it a highlight of the summer social season.

In her spare time, Lorna loved to dance, especially line dancing at the Encinitas Senior Center, which she continued to do well into her 80s. She was an accomplished golfer, avid bowler, and amazing swing dancer. She also loved to volunteer at her church, Calvary Lutheran in Solana Beach, as well as with the Del Mar Chamber of Commerce and Cardiff Library.

A funeral service was held at the Missoula Manor in April 2022 and a video is available at: tinyurl.com/yc2p2h5m A copy of the program is available at: tinyurl.com/4u2bxv5b In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorna's memory to the Hole in Wall Gang Camp (555 Long Wharf Dr. New Haven, CT 06511) for seriously ill children. Founded by Paul Newman, the Camp is one of the organizations supported by the International Silverliners.