Judith Harris Reed

Born on March 27, 1934, in Longmeadow, MA, Judy grew up in Longmeadow and Manchester, NH, where she cultivated a love for adventure, music, and family. In 1955, she married Navy Lt. Marshall F. Reed, Jr., a bright and noble man who was the great-grandson of the American folk music writer, Stephen Foster. Together, they embarked on a life in diverse locations, residing in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Hingham, MA, Woodbury, NJ, Vienna, VA, and Lovettsville, VA, before retiring to their cherished vacation home near Killington, VT, and their peaceful sanctuary along Lake Champlain in Addison, VT. In 2004, they settled into their home in Southport, NC, where they spent their later years surrounded by family and friends.

Judy’s vibrant spirit was reflected in her career. She graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, with a degree in PreSchool Education and taught preschool including a role as Director of the Learning Tree Preschool in Brunswick County VA. Judy was also a founding member of the Emmaus United Church of Christ in Vienna, VA, where she led charitable efforts, helping families secure housing, clothing, and employment. She also taught swimming in VA and NC community centers.

Judy’s house always had at least one pet. She loved to horseback ride and she owned a horse while residing in VA and VT. Her late dog Fritz was her and Marshall’s companion.

Judy’s love for music and sport was lifelong. She played the piano, guitar, violin, ukulele, dulcimer, and drummed with the Southport Drum Circle, often filling the hearts of those around her with melody and joy. A true lover of the outdoors, Judy was an avid skier well into her 80s, with a deep affection for Pico Mountain, VT. She also enjoyed sailing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and baseball—an enthusiasm passed down from her father, George B. Harris, Jr., a Dartmouth College graduate known as the “Greatest pitcher to ever wear the Green.”

An example of her “get it done” drive, Judy turned her displeasure with Lake Champlain water quality to found the Lake Champlain Restoration Association, Judy tirelessly worked to improve the lake’s water quality, securing state grants and rallying over 500 members while she was President. Her determination to preserve the beauty of Vermont’s Great Lake remains an inspiration to all who knew her.

Judy's lineage proudly traced back to the early settlers of America on both the Harris and Hodsdon sides. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and embraced the strength of her heritage.

Judy’s family meant the world to her. In addition to her loving husband, Marshall, she is survived by her devoted children, Douglas Foster Reed of Reading, MA, David Harris Reed of Bolivia, NC, Andrew Marshall Reed of Hamilton, VA, and Pamela Ann Reed of Fort Belvoir, VA. Judy also leaves behind 8 cherished grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with love, wisdom, and a zest for life.

A celebration of her remarkable life will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Home Chapel in Southport, NC, officiated by Reverend Rick Russell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross in her name.

Judy’s bright spirit, positive attitude, and love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.