Reed, Gertrude M.

Gertrude “Gem” Mayer Reed, 96, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2009, in the presence of loving family. She was preceded in death in 2001 by her husband, James Merritt Reed, the love of her life, to whom she was married for 63 years. The knowledge that they are reunited gladdens and strengthens their children and their families: Donald Reed (Sharry), Diane Reed, and Jane Zimmerman (Brian) and their son, James “Jamie”, her only grandchild. She was also preceded in death by her only sibling, Margaret “Peggy” Mayer Rhymes on September 7, 2008. She is survived by several devoted nieces and nephews – Margaret Anne Range, Douglas Rhymes, Kathleen Rhymes Both, and Gary Reed - and by her special Blake cousins, Chet, Marie and Hayward. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, she moved to Washington, D.C. after graduation to become a secretary with the IRS. She retired in 1938 and she spent the remaining 71 years of her life raising her 3 children and caring for her family. In 1974 she and her husband retired to Inverness, Florida for 27 years of happy retirement, including two wonderful trips to Germany to visit their daughter and a 50th anniversary cruise in Hawaii. Following the loss of her husband, her life was blessed by her special neighbors in Florida, Liz and Rayburn Joyner, and her caregiver, Linda Smith. In 2006 she relocated to Virginia to be near her children, and her last years were brightened by the caring staff at Dunlop House Assisted Living and at Hopewell Health Care Center with the help of Crater Community Hospice. The family greatly appreciates all the love, kindness, and compassion shown to her. Her unconditional love, wonderful hugs, and ready smile will be greatly missed by her many friends and family members whom she loved and whose lives she touched in so many ways. A private family graveside service for her and her sister will be held later in Hickory, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to either the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.actionalz.org/ or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805,