Obituary of Meridythe A. Reed

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Meridythe A. Reed announces her passing on September 21, 2024 at the age of 85. Meridythe was the devoted wife of Richard J. Reed of Duxbury, a loving mother to daughters Debbi Reed of Lowell and Beth Halligan of Duxbury, with her husband Brendan Halligan. Meridythe was predeceased by her parents, Eleanor (nee Levine) and Eric Jussila. She was the doting and caring “Grammy” of Katherine, Kevin and Michael Halligan. Meridythe is survived by her loving sister, Sharon Diaz of Florida, and many sisters in-law and brothers in-law. 

Meridythe grew up in Hyannis, MA and attended Bridgewater State College where she met her husband Richard of 64 years. She started her teaching career on the Cape and moved to the Pembroke Elementary School system where she taught for over 37 years. Meridythe reveled in watching children learn and build their confidence in the classroom and brought this joy home and shared it with her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. 

Meridythe and Richard brought teaching out of the classroom by starting the Odyssey ’73 Summer program with fellow teachers which involved a 1968 Blue Bird bus, a Winnebago and lots of tents for students. They crossed the United States, including Alaska and Canada, many times with various students staying in National Parks, climbing mountains and swimming in clear lakes. Meridythe and Richard also enjoyed the magic of Disney and visited many times with their daughters and grandchildren. Meridythe was a constant fan of her grandchildren, including attending their Duxbury soccer and lacrosse games, music concerts and award ceremonies. 

Meridythe was highly creative and enjoyed sewing & ceramics, and when in Florida she was a regular at the Crafty Ladies, Chorus and Dancing Class. Meridythe was an active member of the Duxbury Community Garden Club and demonstrated her green thumb in her large yard which she constantly tended. She was also an active member of the Plymouth County Bee Keeping Association and manned the barn at the Marshfield Fair for years. Most recently, Meridythe gave her volunteer time to the Duxbury Thrift Shop where she made deep and lasting relationships. 

More than anything, Meridythe was known for her kind soul, supportive words and patient demeanor. Meridythe never made a negative comment about anything, except perhaps the Red Sox or a silly play by the Patriots. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St. Kingston, MA from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, September 26th. A service to honor her life and her reunion with God will be held Friday, September 27th at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street, Duxbury at 10 am. 

In lieu of flowers Donations in Meridythe’s memory may be made to the

Duxbury Thrift and Consignment Shop

P.O. Box 2108 Duxbury, Ma 02331