Marguerite Dieudonne Reed

Marguerite passed into eternal life on May 26, 2016 in Seaside, Oregon.

Marguerite was born October 25, 1918 in Baker City, Oregon. She was the daughter of Gaston and Elizabeth Dieudonne. She attended St. Francis Academy in Baker City until her freshman year. She then went to Forest Ridge Convent in Seattle, Washington until her graduation in 1936. She attended San Francisco College for Women and graduated in 1940. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1942.

Upon completion of her schooling, Marguerite went to work for Catholic Charities in San Francisco, California. On January 16, 1943 she married Preston Reed in Washington, D.C. They lived there for six months and then moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Preston was working as a Navy officer. They spent one year there until Preston went oversees. Marguerite moved to Palo Alto, California and worked as a social worker for the police department in 1944. Upon Preston's return from service in 1946, they moved to Baker City, Oregon.

After returning to Baker City Marguerite went to work for Catholic Charities as an adoption caseworker. She worked for them from 1942 until her retirement in 2000. During this time she also worked for 15 years as a social worker for the Baker School District. Preston and Marguerite owned Reed's Furniture Store where Marguerite often helped out.

Marguerite was a member of St. Francis DeSales Cathedral and the Altar Society and she was a member of the choir for many years. She was selected Legacy Woman of the Year in 1989. She was also on the Citizens Review Board and the board of the Oregon Catholic Conference. She lived a busy, active life, a life devoted to service to her family, her church, and her community. She was a woman of great faith; she loved the church and valued her friendships with other parishioners, priests, and bishops. She enjoyed international travel and visited many wonderful places with Preston and her children. One of her most cherished memories was a trip to the Vatican for a private visit with the Pope.

Marguerite was proud of the fact that she had given over 148 pints of blood to the local Blood Bank. She felt this was an extremely important service that should be done by everyone who was able.

Marguerite spent her last years in Portland and Seaside, close to all her children. She always loved being at the beach so living in Seaside brought her a lot of joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Preston Reed, their daughter Monica Reed, granddaughter Heather Reed-Lomax, her brother Roger Dieudonne, and her parents Gaston and Elizabeth. She is survived by her 4 children: son Greg Reed and his wife Janice of Tacoma Washington; daughter Terri Reed of Seaside, Oregon; son Tim Reed and his wife Pat of Portland, Oregon; and daughter Vonie and her husband Larry Aeschliman of Kennewick, WA. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jason, Jamie, Tasha, John, Kevin, Bob, and numerous great grandchildren.

Mom's kind soul and giving spirit touched so many and will never be forgotten.

Memorial contributions in Marguerite's memory may be directed to St. Francis Diocese. This may be done through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Oregon. 97814.

The Rosary Vigil will be held at St Francis de Sales Cathedral on Thursday evening June 2 at 7:00 pm. The Funeral service mass will on Friday morning June 3 at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be served in the Cathedral Parish Hall after the interment at Mt Hope Cemetery.