Doris Reed

ASHBURNHAM - Doris V. Reed, 97, died at home on Thursday, October 22nd with family present.

Doris was born on August 3, 1929 at the home of her parents, William E. and Selma (Aho) Flinkstrom on West Road in Ashby. She was raised in Ashby and graduated from Ashby High School in 1947. She married Charles O. Reed on April 29, 1961. The newlyweds bought a farm on Corey Hill Road and ran it for 29 years before retiring to Cape Cod for 16 years before returning to Fitchburg in August 2006.

Doris was a secretary and clerical worker employed in turn at Fitchburg Gas & Electric, Oakmont Regional High School, and Simonds Saw and Steel. Her hobbies included sewing, baking, reading, bowling, and visiting with friends around the backyard swimming pool or over a game of cards. Under the influence of Charlie, she became an avid Red Sox fan; her family will long remember celebrating Doris’ 90th birthday in a skybox at Fenway Park. She enjoyed travelling with her husband although she occasionally struggled with reading maps and he, being dyslexic, could not follow spoken directions. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren for whom she baked many treats and is fondly remembered as Nana Banana, the handwashing police.

Doris is predeceased by siblings Eddie, Bertha, and Henry; by her husband Charles; sons, Randolf and Ronald; stepdaughter Ellen; and step-grandson Jonathan. She is survived by three sons and a step-daughter, eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and a few great great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Rd, Ashby, MA. There are no calling hours scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bresnahan Community Center for Scouting America, P.O.Box 297, Ashburnham, MA 01430 or may be left at the Church.

Assisting with arrangements is Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care in Worcester. To leave a condolence or share a memory please visit www.kellycremation.com