Mary Louise Reed Horn
May 19, 1918—Feb. 2, 2015
She leaves her son Paul, daughter in law Susan (Caron) of West Roxbury, her son Philip and daughter in law Anne Horn and their two sons, Andrew and Evan, of New Cumberland, PA, many beloved nephews and nieces (and their children) and many friends from her former homes in Oceanside (1986—2002) and Los Angeles (1957—1986) California.
Born in Augusta, Georgia and raised there and in Florida as the oldest of 5 children, Mary was the first of her family to attend college, graduating from the University of Miami and later earning her MSW at Tulane University and joining the National Association of Social Workers. During the war she worked for the Red Cross, helping soldiers and their families, later moving to New York City for a position with Baby’s Hospital. It was in New York where that she met and married her late husband Sid, and they started their family.
Soon after moving to Los Angeles in 1957, Mary began working for the Children’s Bureau of Los Angeles, a United Way agency where she specialized in helping children and families, especially with adoptions and foster care. Her pioneering work in that field won her special recognition, including a “California Social Worker of the Year” award in 1979.
Throughout her life Mary kept active in seemingly countless professional, political and charitable organizations, including, just to name 3, UNICEF, the National Association of Social Workers and, later in life the Oceanside Chapter of Kiwanis which in 2000 presented her an award for her service to children.
After retiring in 1986, Mary moved to Oceanside—for the cooler climate and to be closer to one of her brothers (the late Henry Reed) and his family and many other friends who had already moved to that area. There she quickly became involved with the San Luis Rey Methodist Church and, as a lay leader, helped its congregation expand into a new facility. Children and teenagers remained a great focus for her not only at the church but also as volunteer reader in local schools and day care centers.
In 2006 Mary moved to the Boston area to be closer to her two sons. The family deeply appreciates the wonderful care and support she received from staff at “Edelweiss,” the assisted living residence where she first lived, and “The Pavilion,” for the care of dementia residents at The German Home in West Roxbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in Mary’s honor to any of the following organizations:
The German Home 2220 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA 02132
San Luis Rey Valley United Methodist Church 5570 Old Ranch Road Oceanside, CA 92057
The Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego 6632 Convoy Court San Diego, CA 92111
UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/end-preventable-child-deaths/20281
Or to any child welfare organization of your choosing!
Condolence notes can be sent to the family c/o:
Paul Horn
32 Farmington Road
West Roxbury, MA 02132