Lorraine Reed (Wilson) Reed

Lorraine Francis Reed
April 3, 1920 - February 29, 2016
Former community activist, Lorraine Francis Reed died February 29, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living in Monmouth, following declining health. A celebration of Lorraine's life will be April 17th at Christ Church Methodist & Presbyterian United, 412 Clay Street Monmouth at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Rebecca Strader officiating.
Lorraine was born April 3, 1920, daughter of Gabriel Marie Mauduit and George David Wilson in Ellensburg WA. She married Allen Dean Reed in April 1940. During World War II she managed a private library in Portland while Al worked in the shipyards. A job with the US Forest Service took them to the Gorge Station until wars end when they both attended college at OSC (Oregon State University) and the University of Oregon.
Lorraine and Al owned and published the North Lincoln News Guard in Lincoln City for many years. In 1968 they sold the paper and moved to Monmouth, where they both worked at Oregon College of Education (WOU).
Lorraine and Allen were pioneers and activists, insisting that their special needs son be given educational opportunities all children should be afforded, long before special education classes were part of schools. They were also active members of "Little People of America" with their son, Steve.
When Lorraine saw a need or an opportunity, she was a force to be reckoned with and contributed to her communities in many ways, including Christmas Projects for families in need in Monmouth-Independence, leading art/crafts classes at the women's prison and other endeavors which led to her receiving the Oregon Volunteer of the Year award in 1986. In 1987 she received the Monmouth-Independence First Citizen award.
Lorraine is survived by her son, Steven Dean Reed of Monmouth; daughter, the Rev. Dr. Deana J. Reed (Jan Hartman) Napa, CA; brother, John Q. Wilson (Judy), Portland. Also nieces, Kay Irwin (Wes) of Lake Oswego, Lynne Peterson, Colleen Grant (Mike) and nephew Brian Wilson (Lisa), all of Portland.
We are grateful for the care and support of the staff at Brookdale-Monmouth this past year, and the presence of Serenity Hospice during Mom's final days. Many thanks also to Debbie Stepper and wonderful friend Romaine Warren who made it possible for Mom to remain in her home for so long.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Serenity Hospice 285 Liberty Street NE Salem, OR 97301, or Monmouth Senior Center Meals on Wheels, 188 Warren St. So. Monmouth, OR 97361.
Farnstrom Mortuary is handling arrangements. Memories and condolences at FarnstromMortuary.com.