Elizabeth A. Reed

On May 17, 2018, Elizabeth A. Reed passed on surrounded by love at Kendal of Ithaca. Born in New York City on Nov. 21, 1926, she was a bright light in the lives of her family and friends. Elizabeth was senior class president at Walton High school in the Bronx. She had a keen mind and a life-long passion for learning. She continued her education as a voracious reader of history and current events, and later as an adventurous world traveler whose zest for life and learning was inspiring. She was an engaged student for several years at Senior University in Atlanta, where she took a variety of courses that she enjoyed tremendously.

At age 16 she met her future husband Gerald at Rockaway Beach. They had a strong connection immediately and became engaged 3 days later! They married in 1945 and later settled in Atlanta, Georgia in 1955 where he practiced dentistry, and together they raised their 3 children.

Elizabeth was very involved with the Civil Rights movement in Atlanta, working with people who were determined to make changes in the segregated South. Descended from upstate New York Suffragettes, she was also active in the League of Women Voters and she took her civic duties and her right to vote seriously. She became Unitarian in the late 50s and was a dedicated member of Atlanta’s Unitarian Church, which actively worked for social justice.

Elizabeth was a very loving wife, mother, daughter and friend. She was devoted to her family and very supportive of them. She dressed beautifully and creatively. She was a fantastic cook and a warm and welcoming hostess of countless dinners, luncheons and get togethers. She became a “Million Dollar Club” realtor in Atlanta after she was widowed at age 50 after 32 years of marriage.

Elizabeth was a people person and had many dear friends in Atlanta, some of whom were close for 50 years. In 2004 she moved to Kendal at Ithaca to be near family, and immediately became involved in the community. She was able to continue her love of theater, concerts, book clubs and lectures in Ithaca and made several friends here. We are so blessed to have loved her and be loved by her. We miss her smile and her presence.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents Harry and Emily Shoemaker, her brother Harry Shoemaker Jr., and her husband Dr. Gerald Reed. She is survived by her children, Janice Nigro (Jan), Dr. Douglas Reed (Dorothy Adair) and Andrea Reed; grandchildren Anthony Nigro, Sarah and Emily Reed, and Thomas Silverstein; sister-in-law Joan Petrucelli; niece Meredith Handwerker, nephews and her beloved dog Lily.

A service to celebrate Elizabeth’s life will be held at Kendal of Ithaca on Sat. July 14 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Rainy Day Fund at Kendal of Ithaca or an organization of your choice.