1929 – 2016

AUBURN — Natalie F. “Nat” Reed, 87, of Backkingdom Road, Mexico, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.

She was born in Biddeford on Oct. 22, 1929, the daughter of William and Edna (Simpson) Avery, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1947.

Natalie viewed her large family as her greatest accomplishment. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren. They were her greatest joy. In addition to raising her seven children, Natalie worked as a cook at Horizon’s Unlimited and later at Maine National Bank where she retired as a manager of the Mexico Branch.

Over the past 50 years, Natalie has made 764 beautiful braided rugs and has taught the craft to many.

Natalie was a member of the Mexico Congregational Church. She was a Girl Scout leader. She was a member of Mexico Jr. Mothercraft.

She was married in Rumford on Sept. 15, 1948, to Dwight I. “Chub” Reed who died on Aug. 15, 2004. Survivors include three daughters, Alayne F. Reed of South Paris, Julieanne Reed of Mexico and Kelley J. Arsenault of Dixfield; four sons, Thomas K. Reed and wife, Barbie, of Fort Myers, Fla., Wesley Reed and wife, Martha, of Vinalhaven, Charles L. Reed and wife, Pamela, of Bridgton, and Herbert “Skip” Reed and wife, Lana, of Mexico; 14 grandchildren, Mary Jo Reed and husband, Phil Fournier, Thomas K. Reed II of Pownal, Natalie C. Reed of Gray, Charles P. Reed III and wife, Kari, of Bridgton, Daniel A. Reed and wife, Rachel, of San Antonio, TX, James Reed and wife, Jesslyn, of Hatton, N.D., Christopher D. Reed and wife, Tracy, of Vandenberg AFB, Calif., Sarah Cantlo and husband, Jared, of Mechanic Falls, Elizabeth A. Reed of Bridgton, Michael C. Arsenault and wife, Kristi, Casey Arsenault and husband, Kevin Williamson, of Rumford, Tampsa Smith and husband, Bill, of Rumford, Kyle Lee of Rumford, and Beverly Learned and husband, Craig Bickford, of Penacook, N.H.; 17 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Smith of South Berwick, Darlene Jamison of Mexico and Edna Heath of Conway, N.H.; and her cousin, Carole Moran of Wallingford, Conn.

She was predeceased by a sister, Edith Milligan.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.


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