Mary Lynn Reed

1934 - 2025

Mary Lynn Reed
08/12/1934 - 10/05/2025
Mary Lynn Reed, known for her irrepressible spirit and irresistible laugh has left us. She died on Friday, August 29th after having a heart attack in June. Her biggest joy was to make people laugh and have fun!
She was born August 12, 1934 in Susanville, California to David Scott Mitchell and Dorothy Thomasson Mitchell. She was the third of five siblings, the "middle Mitchell".
Mary Lynn graduated from Lassen Union High School and the University of California, Berkeley. She eventually earned a Masters degree in Physical Education which led to the position of Director of Women's Athletics in the Oakland Unified School District. She mentored many through her work and helped them improve their careers. She started her athletics and sports mindedness at an early age by being the scorekeeper for Susanville's softball team. Teaching at Cal Poly in the summers gave her a great deal of satisfaction and lifelong friends. She had an impressive list of accomplishments and PE organizations to which she belonged. She was married to Ron Reed for seven years
Another of Mary Lynn's loves was antiques and fine art objects – she started her own business called "Timeless Treasures" and had great satisfaction taking part at presentations at the San Mateo Fairgrounds (known as the Hillsborough show) and other venues. Another great interest was the Golden State Warrior basketball games on TV.
Mary Lynn's father, David, loved to recite poetry and passed this love on to her. She wrote several insightful and beautiful poems which she shared. She also enjoyed playing the slot machines in Reno and Tahoe- of any funds left behind, she would say "they are just holding them for me."
Another passion of hers was playing Scrabble with family and friends- Mary Lynn was a consummate player and enjoyed the challenge.
Her bright eyes and glowing smile brought many into her circle of friends. Over the course of her life she survived several battles with cancer. During these fights she met others who were facing the same challenges. They began a support group and met for meals. All her neighbors became very special friends and found joy in the community, too. She believed in the greater community also, and wrote many letters and missives to her congressmen and officials expressing her opinions.
Mary Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Margaret Butler and Katy Murillo. She was also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Stan Gallagher, Ross Butler and Joe (Bud) Murillo, and nephew Scott Gallagher.
She is survived by her sister Evelyn Gallagher and brother John Mitchell. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Interment will be private.
If you wish to honor her memory, you may contribute to Oakland Unified Schools Athletic Program or a charity of your choice.