Maureen Reed

A woman who never concerned herself with building wealth according to the world’s measure, Maureen Reed focused her attention on serving the Lord of her life while deeply loving all those within her reach. Her faith not only put the song in her heart, but it also provided her with the shelter that protected her from the storms of life. Maureen was a true character who never let life get the best of her and considered her entire journey to be part of God’s perfect plan for her life. With the love of her life by her side for 49 years, she witnessed her family tree grow to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of graceful courage, unwavering faith, and unending love. Maureen will be deeply missed.

The early 1940s found the eyes of our nation focused overseas as the hostilities of WWII raged on. Countless servicemen and women were engaged in the fight for the preservation of freedom while those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods such as coffee, flour, paper, and rubber. Nestled within this trying time was the year 1942 that brought great joy to a young couple from Scottville, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on October 25th. Maureen Carole was one of three girls born to her parents, Maurice and Edna (Sanders) Quinn. She was born in Paulina Stearns Hospital in Ludington and was raised in the family home in Scottville alongside her sisters, Patricia and Kathy. Maureen’s father worked as an insurance agent while her mother was a schoolteacher.

For the most part Maureen experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. She was an active young girl with a paper route who also played softball for many years. On one occasion Maureen hit a home run, and with her own personal flair proceeded to hop over each base as she ran around the diamond. Imagine her disappointment as she was called out once she made it to home plate for not having touched the other bases.

After graduating from Mason County Central High School in 1961, Maureen spent a short time working for her father in the insurance industry. A young woman with a spirit of adventure, Maureen then moved to Washington, D.C. where she lived with her uncle. While there she worked for the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. Actually, she was working on getting her pilot’s license despite being afraid of heights.

It was while living in Washington, D.C. that Maureen met the love of her life. His name was Clifford Reed, and he was a fellow employee who worked in the mailroom. Although Maureen was engaged to someone else at the time, it was love at first sight for both Maureen and Clifford. It wasn’t long before she mailed the ring back to her fiancé. With a desire to build a life together Maureen and Clifford were married on April 25, 1963, in a small Catholic church in Bethesda, Maryland. The newlyweds didn’t get much time to adjust to married life as he was drafted into the Air Force and was stationed at Stewart Air Force Base near West Point. Although their boss offered to fly them to Aruba for their honeymoon, the couple regretfully declined due to Clifford’s military obligations. While still stationed at Stewart Air Force Base Maureen and Clifford welcomed their daughter, Kim, into their hearts and home. Kim was later followed by her sisters, Terri Lynne and Tammy, in addition to her brother, Shaun, who were all born in Ludington after their family moved to Scottville when Clifford’s military duty was fulfilled.

Scottville became Maureen’s home throughout the rest of her life. She worked in a variety of different paths through the years including as a dog groomer, custodian, daycare provider, and as an aid in a local assisted living center. Maureen found her work at the daycare center to be particularly rewarding as she had a great sense of humor and vivid imagination. She loved coming alongside the children to encourage them to expand their individual imaginations as well. The children there loved Maureen and affectionately called her “Grandma.”

First and foremost in Maureen’s life was her faith. It was clear to see that she loved Jesus with all her heart, and she wasn’t shy about sharing the reason for her unmistakable joy. Maureen witnessed to numerous others including the doctors and nurses from her bedside. She considered every situation to be a divine appointment to witness to the lost, and since she knew her Bible inside and out she was able to quote an inspiring piece of scripture at any time including her favorite passage - Psalm 91. Maureen also had a passion for reaching others through the prayer ministry at her church, Beacon Ministries. She strived to be obedient and considered her greatest accomplishment to be overcoming her smoking addiction, simply stating “I obeyed God!”

Second only to her faith was Maureen’s family. She inspired her children with her strength to overcome whatever challenges faced her as they saw her as gracefully strong with just the right amount of strong will mixed in. Grandma Mo-Mo was delighted to be a grandmother and was always available to her grandchildren with a listening ear, showing them how deeply they were treasured. Maureen was also proud of her recently renewed relationship with her sisters.

Maureen Reed was someone who was beautiful on the inside and out, a woman who has been compared to the virtuous and Godly woman depicted in Proverbs 31. She had a heart that beat to love others whether animals, her beloved family, or anyone within her reach. The memories Maureen leaves behind will be forever cherished.

Maureen Reed was welcomed into the presence of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 26, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents Maurice and Edna. Maureen will be greatly missed by her faithful husband of 49 years, Clifford, her daughters Kim (Ray) Castillo Jr. of Ludington, Terry Lynne Reed and Tammy (Ed) Castillo all of Scottville, her son Shaun (Mindy) Reed of Custer, her beloved grandchildren Tonya (Wayne) Hawke, Amber (Larry) Hawke, Derek (Kelsey) Castillo, Erica Castillo, Tina and Trevor Stakenas, Matt and Teresa McCann, Toby and Max Reed, her precious great-grandchildren Isabella Castillo, Trent, Faith, Brooke, and Kaitlyn Hawke, and Mackenzie Ahlgren, her sisters Patricia (Gary) Petersen of Ludington, and Kathy (Jay) Johnson of Grand Rapids.

A Celebration of Maureen’s life and faith will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 30 at Beacon Ministries, 4433 N. US 31 Hwy, with Pastor Tammy Bacon and Pastor Joe Whitaker officiating. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Thursday morning from 11:00 AM until time of services at the church. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider her family. Please visit Maureen’s personal memory page at www.stephensfuneralhome.net to read her complete Life Story, to sign her guestbook, or to leave a memory of Maureen for her family. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services.