ELEANOR MARGERET REED

Eleanor Reed died peacefully in her sleep at home September 18. She was born Aug. 20, 1922 in Rocky Ford, CO, the sixth of seven children. She learned many lessons about survival through her family’s experience of severe economic stress during the Depression years. Through many difficult times in her childhood Eleanor acquired the qualities of perseverance and determination, two traits which stayed with her throughout her life. Despite family struggles, Eleanor pushed herself to excel in all areas during her high school years. She was the class valedictorian, voted most popular, editor of the school newspaper, President of the Pep Club and the winner of six scholarships. She attended Colorado State University at Fort Collins until Pearl Harbor at which time she joined the WAVES on Dec. 12, 1942. Eleanor served as a Telegrapher First Class in Washington DC where she tracked German submarine activity in the Atlantic. She enjoyed her time served in the Navy and often relayed stories from that time. She met the love of her life and married Howard on March 4, 1945. Once the war was over, Eleanor enrolled in the University of Denver, became a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and earned a degree in Sociology and Psychology while raising their two young boys, Mike and Ken. The family moved to Albuquerque for four years and then to Livermore. They remained in Livermore for 18 years, and after the boys were grown, Eleanor worked as a Computer Technician at the Livermore Lab for 8 years. In 1974 Howard and Eleanor felt a radical change was needed and so they bought a locksmith shop in Grass Valley and settled in Nevada City where they proceeded to build their own house: a retreat she loved to her last day. Eleanor became very involved with Soroptomists, holding many positions there, helped to run their locksmith shop and ran her weekly meditation group. Eleanor has been loved by many who have cherished her keen intellect, quick wit and fun loving nature. Eleanor’s spunky and feisty nature brought loads of fun to every party. She and Howard enjoyed 72 years of marriage honoring each other with a love and dedication rarely seen. Many have appreciated witnessing the love expressed between them. Eleanor is survived by her husband, Howard Reed; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Joyce Reed of Danville and son Ken Reed of Forest Ranch; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and many many friends and neighbors. Everyone is invited to a celebration of life on Fri 10/7 at 1:00 pm at Unity in the Gold Country Spiritual Center in Grass Valley. Donations can be made to Hospice of the Foothills.

ELEANOR MARGERET REED

August 20, 1922 - September 18, 2016