Mary Argenta LeClair Reed, of Keene, NY, died in her home on March 10, 2015. She was 80.
A native of Keene, she was the youngest of 8 children of Earl and Elizabeth (Shackett) LeClair, born July 4, 1934. She graduated Keene Central School in 1952.
She married Royce Reed in 1953 and they raised their two children throughout the North Country, ultimately returning to Keene in 1961. Her house on Route 73 was always full of her brothers, nieces and nephews.
“Gena” was driven by a strong civic spirit throughout her life. She worked for the Town of Keene as a bookkeeper and office manager for over 30 years. During that time, she served on the Essex County Republican Committee. She was actively involved in many campaigns although she never ran for office herself.
In later years she was instrumental in the upkeep and operations of Saint Brendan’s Catholic Church in Keene, and served as its treasurer.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend. Throughout her years she was a Nana to so many in the community. She could be seen at many a Keene Central sporting or music event, supporting her five grandchildren, as well as walking through Keene, taking in the beauty of her hometown and getting a bit of exercise.
She is survived by her daughter, Paula Reed McDonough, of Keene Valley; her son Bruce Reed and his wife Carol, of Keene Valley; her grandchildren, Tiffani McDonough and her husband Rob Kearney of Manhattan; Taetum Crooker and her husband Justin, of Ballston Lake; Ewen McDonough and his fiancée Jessica Dudley of Paris, France; Sunny Reed and Summer Reed of Keene Valley; two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Adam Crooker; and dozens of nieces and nephews who will greatly miss their Nana’s and Aunt Gena’s zest for life and easy laugh.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be held at St Brendan’s Catholic Church at 11AM on Saturday, March 14. Burial to follow at Norton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be given to St Brendan’s Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Marvin-Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street in Elizabethtown. To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit
www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com