ORONO — Margery L. Reed, 94, passed on Thursday, April 19, with her loving family by her side, at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, Orono, where she had been a resident for several months.

She lived in Bingham for many years and was born on Dec. 4, 1917, in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of Norwegian immigrant parents, John and Christine Eriksen Lier. She graduated from South High School in Worcester, Mass. in 1936 and Colby College in Waterville, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and remained a proud lifelong member. At Colby, she met and married the love of her life, Walter H. Reed. After graduating together in 1940, they began their teaching careers in Stratton, where their son, Thomas, was born. During World War II, she relocated several times with her son to be with her husband while he served with the Army Air Corps. After his return from overseas duty, they settled in Farmington, where they resumed their teaching careers at Farmington High School, and their daughter, Randi, was born.

Margery was a well liked and respected teacher in Farmington and Bingham for over 25 years and was very proud of her students. She taught French and Latin and spoke Norwegian fluently. She was also versed in Russian and German. In 1965, she and Walter moved to Bingham, where she continued to teach languages until her retirement in 1977. Both her son and daughter had the privilege of having her as a teacher. She continued to be a lifelong learner and teacher, with a natural curiosity about all things. She was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoying fishing, snowmobiling and camping with her family. She also loved working in her gardens, bird watching , reading, crossword puzzles, and hand painting personal cards for family. She especially loved her antiques, which she referred to as “her old friends.” After her husband’s passing in 1991, her home on the Kennebec River was a source of comfort and pride, and she continued to live there independently until 2011.

Margery was a truly gentle and compassionate lady with a sweet spirit, subtle sense of humor and a warm smile, making everyone she met a friend. She was a very devoted wife and caring, loving mother. Her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy and she always considered it a blessing to watch them grow and learn about life. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Reed and wife, Janice, of Rumford; daughter, Randi Birt of East Millinocket; grandchildren, Scott Reed and wife, Laurie, of Turner, Eric Reed and wife, Kelly, of Westbrook, Aaron Birt of Kennebunkport, and Kristen O’Donnell and husband, Ryan, of Bangor; and great-grandchildren, Kyle and Natalie Reed, Gavin and Julia Reed, and Drew and Nathan O’Donnell.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; sister, Gladys; and son-in-law, Douglas Birt.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff and caregivers at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community for their loving, compassionate and outstanding care of our mother in her final months.