Mary Reed

Mary Edna Reed passed away on June 8, 2024 in her home of 50 years at the age of 96. Her sons Kyle and Max were with her in the months preceding her death and fulfilled her wish to stay at home by caring for her with her friend and caregiver Lea.

Mary was born July 20, 1927, to John and Eula Commons in Hammon, Oklahoma. In her teens, she moved with her mother to Alhambra, California. A few years later, while Mary and her friend Donna strolled along the Alhambra sidewalk, she saw her future husband and best friend, Bob Reed (Robert Lee Reed) in the window display of his father’s upholstery shop and impulsively stopped and got his attention by sticking out her tongue at him. Mary and Bob were married on May 14, 1946, and had four children, Lindee, Stevan, Kyle, and Max. In 1969, they relocated from San Diego, California to Bellevue, Washington.

Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed opportunities for learning and growth. After having children, Mary returned to school and earned her GED, learned to swim, returned to the stage as a singer in the community follies, and was a frequent bridge player and bowler. As an avid and gifted gardener, a dream of Mary’s was fulfilled by completing the University of Washington’s Master Gardener program. Mary also volunteered at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Throughout the years friends and family have relied on her gardening guidance and advice. After her husband, Bob retired, they pursued their mutual love of art and attended workshops and openings together. When Mary lost her “sweet old Bob,” on July 30, 2000, she created a new life for herself; she took up pottery, watercolor painting, and joined the TELOS Program at Bellevue Community College.

During the Vietnam War, Mary joined the grassroots anti-war advocacy group, “Another Mother for Peace,” and wrote letters opposing the War. In her 40s, Mary returned to the workplace for Smyth Moving Company where she was the face of “The Mary Allen Program,” a highly successful concierge moving service that continued after her departure. Mary was a talented chef and an original “foodie”, often holding dinner parties for friends and family. Her love of home and design was reflected in her gracious living spaces which she continually perfected.

As a “birder,” she kept a journal and frequently wrote about her beloved Chickadees that she watched from her favorite chair that graced her front window. In that “Mom” chair, Mary also spent many happy times watching the Seahawks and Mariners games with her boys. An excellent listener, Mary had friends from all walks of life - neighbors, classmates, gardening pals, and fellow artists. She was curious, engaged, witty, and inquisitive throughout her life to the very end. Among those who will always cherish and remember her are her children, Lindee Reed (Jerry Gibbs), sons Steven Reed, Kyle Reed (Heather Reed), and Max Reed (Thanh Reed); her grandchildren, Timothy Hannaway, Greer Paris, Cyrus Reed, Bob Reed, Paden Reed, Christina Reed, Brandon Reed, and Mariana Reed; and niece Mary Pepper and nephews Frank Hermes and John Hermes.

In place of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to Bellevue Botanical Gardens www.bellevuebotanical.org, American Ex-Prisoners of War (AXPOW) www.axpow.org, Bellevue College Continuing Education TELOS Lifelong Learners Program www.bellevuecollege.edu, or a charity you feel reflects her best.