ROCKLAND – Marie H. “Sis” Reed, 86, a lifelong Rockland resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Rockport, after a brief illness. Born May 16, 1924, in Rockland, she was the daughter of Lorenzo and Felicia Plantier Dodge. She was educated in local schools, and was a 1942 graduate of Rockland High School. Sis was first employed in the office of Van Baalen, Rockland. She married Carl S. Reed Jr., May 17, 1944, in Rockland. The couple made their home in Rockland, and after the birth of their sons, Sis became a devoted homemaker and mother. When her sons were older, in school and more self-sufficient, she returned to work. In 1955, she began work as secretary of public works for the city of Rockland. Later, and at the wooing of then Rockland city assessor, Osgood Gilbert, she moved to city hall, serving as assistant to the assessor until retiring in 1987. Shortly after her retirement, Sis adopted her first “traffic island” at the intersection of Upper Park Street and Payne Avenue, the first of several she would annually plant with beautiful flowers. She was often seen tending these beautification projects during the summer months, throughout her beloved Rockland. She was also instrumental in placement of flower baskets on street poles in the city. For more than 20 years, Sis served as a member of Rockland Parks Commission. She was honored in 1991 for her service by the people of Rockland naming the park at the entrance of the Rockland breakwater, Marie H. Reed Memorial Park. Sis always held a special affection and concern for animals. Her beloved shih tzu, Chloe, went to her eternal rest last Wednesday, the day before Sis entered the hospital. She was a longtime communicant of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Rockland. In addition to her husband Carl, in 1996, Sis was predeceased by two brothers, Edward Dodge and Henry Dodge. She is survived by two sons, Dr. David A. Reed of Washington, D.C., and Edward H. “Ted” Reed of Rockland; as well as many nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives are invited to visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. A funeral service will be held 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 150 Broadway, Rockland. Interment will be afterward at Glen Cove Cemetery, Warrenton Avenue, Rockport. Although flowers are welcome, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. To leave online condolences, please visit obituaries at www.bchfh.com.
MARIE H. ‘SIS’ REED
