Jeanne Reed

Jeanne P. (Paden) Reed, of Lake Mills, former longtime resident of Watertown, peacefully passed away with her family by her side, on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the age of 82. She was born on August 11, 1929 in Chicago, the daughter of David and Margaret (Desmond) Paden. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL studying Physical Therapy. While at Northwestern she met her future husband, Dr. William H. Reed, Jr. and they were united in marriage on November 13, 1953. Together, they had 9 children. There are many people who called Jeanne, Mom. For every one of her children there were multiple friends, who were always welcome in her home. There was no better place to spend a summer day then at the Reed's Cottage in Lake Mills. For years kids lined the shores while Mom watched over them. She always made it look so easy. She enjoyed the activity and laughter that came with a day by the lake with family and friends. Holidays were gigantic, chaotic and overflowing. She filled our home with laughter, curiosity, and love. She taught us all to be strong, creative, loyal, and independent. Jeanne was very active in the community. She valued education, and instilled that in each of her children. She served on the Watertown School Board for over 20 years, holding the title of President of the Association of School Boards during the late 80's. She headed the Jefferson Chapter of NAMI and was the President of NAMI of Wisconsin. In more recent years, she was employed at Boston Store in Madison, where she made many friends. Jeanne is survived by her brother, Desmond (Sue) Paden of Florida and 9 children: Bill (Theresa) Reed of Seattle, Dave (Jessica) Reed of Madison, Dan (Sharon) Reed of Michigan, Chris (Jeri) Reed of California, Steve (Marcia) Reed of Minnesota, Ken (Becky) Reed of Minnesota, Laura (Keith) Blew of Madison, Mary Reed of Cottage Grove, and Sue (Dan) Schroeder of Hartland; 19 grandchildren: Nick and Allie Reed, Maggie and Cate Reed, Michael, Sean, and Ben Reed, Jena and Paden Reed, Hazel and Milo Reed, Steven and William Blew, Olivia and Maisy Lecher, and Lizzy, Reed, Jack and Luke Schroeder. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Margaret, and by her husband Bill of almost 50 years. The family would like to thank Dr. K. Case, Dr. A. Gill, Dr. B. Nelson, and many of the kind nurses and Respiratory Therapists that helped Mom to be comfortable in the last month of her life. Your care and compassion never went unnoticed. A service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home in Watertown. Visitation will be Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials in Jeanne's name may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 4233 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, WI 53711 or to The Yahara House, 802 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703. Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at watertownwifuneralhome.com. "May catching fireflies off your dock never lose its shine..."Michael Reed (Nov. 18th, 2011)