Margaret Louise Reid of Mattapan born on October 17. 1920 in Kingston, Jamaica, was the only daughter, and youngest of Joseph and Johanna Kelly's four children. Margaret grew up in the Tavern area of Kingston, and permanently resided there after her marriage to Ruel Reid.
In her earlier years, Margaret worked as a seamstress, and lastly as a dormitory aide at Jamaica College. (JC). She was employed at JC during the attendance of Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica. Often reminiscing about her tenure, one might conclude that he should be indebted to her for making the very bed in which hle laid.
Her hopes to experience the praised US opportunities that echoed throughout the Island, was eventually realized. In 1971 she migrated to Waban, Massachusetts and was welcomed by the Wolfe family for domestic services. Eventually, she relocated to Roxbury and was soon reunited with Ruel and stepdaughter, Janice. The family permanently resided in Mattapan in 1977.
A well respected Gardner at home, Margaret was knowledgeable of a wide variety of plants, particularly the environments in which they thrived best. Her attentive touch and audible chats, with them, were daily essentials for their revitalization and bloom.
In Margaret's test kitchen, you name it, she could make it; even tastier than the customary recipes from which she often strayed. Baking specialties included wedding cakes and spiced buns. Her rum cake for the Christmas season was the best anticipated gift by a select few.
Margaret's unfaltering Christian foundation of heartfelt compassion and unbroken generosity bestowed her the name Ma, Mumsie, and Mother Reid, by non-relatives. Her warm and welcoming spirit easily attracted and sustained many caring friends over the years.
Sadly, she became a widow with Ruel's passing in 1995.
Subsequently, the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was home during her later years. The reciprocated attention and kindness from families, dear friends, her church, and many caregivers, ensured her comfort and continued will to follow in God's path.
Margaret leaves to cherish her memory, two-step daughters, six nieces, three nephews, two sister-in-laws, and many other loving families and friends.
She is now at Peace with our Lord.
Funeral viewing on Saturday December 9, 2017 from 8:30 to 10:00:AM. Funeral services 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Joseph Russo Funeral Home, 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale.
Interment will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Roslindale.