Emmy Anna Reid

1926 - 2023

Born on the banks of the mighty Rhine River in Wiesbaden, Germany to Jakob and Emma Werner, Emmy, an only child, grew up secure in the love and protection of her parents and extended family. In spite of the trials of WWII, she found joy in swimming, kayaking, bicycling, and excelling in track and field events. She was an accomplished artist and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Emmy was very popular among a wide circle of friends who shared her enthusiasm for water sports, going to the movies and reading books of adventure and romance. Her “Papa”, Jakob, active in the Resistance, is remembered by his family as a principled and courageous man. Emmy’s “Mama” earned respect as an honest business woman and a person of faith who delighted in hosting get-togethers of family and friends.

In the summer of 1946, Emmy was relaxing by the river wearing her home made, polka dot bikini when a U.S. military boat pulled up to the dock. For PFC William C. Reid (Bill), it was love at first sight. Emmy and her “Billy” married July 4, 1947 and the newlyweds soon shipped out to the states. In North Carolina, Bill and “Amy” welcomed their first child. When the Korean War broke out Bill was recalled to the Air Force; their second child was born in upstate New York in 1953.

As a military wife, Amy was a stalwart support to her husband Bill. She was a caring and loving mother to their kids, providing a secure and stable home as the family was stationed at various locations, including Oahu, Michigan, London, Germany and Colorado Springs (1966). Amy gave back to her community through volunteer work. Eventually she combined her love of young children and passion for education as an elementary school para professional. After 20 years Amy retired from Widefield School District #3.

Amy and Bill enjoyed a happy and active retirement. Taking long walks together was a favored pastime. Traveling with friends was another. (Thank you Annette!). Bill and Amy discovered renewed energy and creativity within themselves in order to keep up with two very lively grandsons. Amy loved flowers and gardening; she and Bill engaged in a variety of home improvement projects. Amy joined a book group and a crocheting circle. And of course they both continued to worship and volunteer at Faith Lutheran Church in Security. During her husband’s long illness, Amy was his devoted companion and caregiver until Bill’s death in 2018.

Personal visits and long chats on the phone. Sending greeting cards for every occasion. These were the ways Amy stayed connected with family in Germany and a long list of old friends collected during service in the USAF. The bonds were strong between Amy and the dear friends she had made through her church, in her neighborhood and throughout her career. She will be fondly remembered as a vivacious, talented, loyal, courageous, woman of integrity and deep faith who relished life and persevered through all of life’s many challenges.

Amy (Emmy) will be sorely missed by those who survive her: son William Jakob (Jake); daughter Gloria Ann Reid Woods; grandsons Matthew and Nicholas; German cousins Hans-Peter, Karin, Renate, Ursula and Molly. A special acknowledgement to Jake for years of devoted caregiving to both parents. Thank you to the pastors and close friends from Faith Lutheran Church. The family deeply appreciates the decades of medical care given by Dr. Jeffrey Kulp and staff; the excellent, patient caregivers and staff of Right at Home, and the skilled, compassionate support of Pikes Peak Hospice. Thank you for donations to Faith Lutheran Church, 315 Security Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80911 (719)392-5076. A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Rd., CSprings, CO 80925, (719)391-6920.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Dove-Witt.com for the Reid family.