Carolyn B. Reed, 88, of Maryville, TN and formerly White Stone, VA, Keene, NH, and cities in MA and CT, passed peacefully on August 31, 2024. She was born October 4, 1935, to the late Winston and Geraldine (Olive) Blake of Andover, MA, and was the adored wife of the late Burton D. Reed, Jr. for more than 63 years. She is survived by her brother, Winston Andrew (Celeste) Blake, and her children, Robert (Sue) Reed, Charles (Deb) Reed, Maggie (Paul) Silfee, Larry (Pamela) Reed, and Doug (Abby) Reed. She is lovingly remembered as “Ernie” by her eleven grandchildren – Melanie (Paul) Todd, Jacqueline (David) Gerber, Natalie (Rudy) Barrera, Brad (Erin) Reed, Jonathan (Kristie) Reed, Valerie (James) Jack, Michelle (Wilmer Cano) Cano-Reed, Alex Reed, Andrew Reed, Austin (Andrea) Reed, and Tiffany Reed – and eleven great grandchildren – Xavier, Aurora, Ruben, Gavino, Anna, Tyler, Austin, Elijah, Nathan, Grayson, and Madeline. She also leaves behind nieces Jennifer Kenny and Jessica Delano, nephews David and Matthew Blake, June Blake, Jorge Aguilar, and many other cherished friends.

After a childhood in Andover, Carolyn met Burt at Boston University, and he spoke of how captivating she was and was still verklempt about how he felt back then over 60 years later. After they wed, they moved around the country – GA, TX, TN – while Burt was a pilot in the US Air Force. Carolyn steadfastly made a loving home, often enrobed with beautiful gardens and flowers, wherever their next adventure took them as they welcomed their five children and eventually moved closer to family in the northeast. Burt’s career in insurance then took them to White Stone, VA, where they enjoyed the Northern Neck of the Chesapeake (loved the seafood, did not care for the hurricanes) for many years.

Carolyn was proud of the wide-ranging roles she took on over the years, including over a decade as a postal carrier for a rural route in Holden, MA, (delivering mail but also biscuits for the dogs) and teaching exercise classes for senior citizens in Kilmarnock, VA. She was known for her love for animals, her everlasting energy, and how she cherished her family and friends near and far. Over the years she nurtured and loved countless dogs and cats, even once rescuing a stray kitten that fell off their docked boat into the water, and she and Burt developed a fondness for Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Whether for her home or when she volunteered for charities, she always tackled a new project with zeal, organizing (often via scribbled lists on legal pads), learning new skills, and recruiting others to help as well. Carolyn had a special knack for making those around her feel celebrated and welcomed, and her grandchildren knew calls from Burt and Ernie would be full of love and joy. She was a natural social butterfly, and getting to know those in her community was a personal mission. She revered friendships she managed to hang on to for decades despite her many moves. An invitation to a meal at Burt and Carolyn’s house was always welcomed by recipients as she was a fantastic host and cook, serving specially acquired foods to dazzle guests. Carolyn and Burt enjoyed traveling together in their later years, meeting new friends and sharing new experiences. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Carolyn’s family is forever grateful to those that took care of her as her health declined, took time to visit her despite their busy days, and adopted her pets when she could no longer care for them. The family will have a celebration memorial for her October 4, 2024, near her gravesite in Hartford, CT, where she will rest alongside Burt. Donations can be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, TN at https://www.young-williams.org/support/one-time.