WESTFIELD: Celebrating the life of Miriam Anna (Tefts) Reed, born June 19, 1917, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine (Abramovska) Tefts. Miriam was a lifelong resident of Westfield, MA, as well as a deep-rooted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Wed to Raymond L. Reed in 1941, and born to that union, were Sandra Fogg of Milton, FL, Raymond Reed of Westfield, MA, Donna (Dean) Speth, Unadilla, NB, John (Loretta Rogers) Reed, Westfield, MA, Barbara Towle, Westfield, MA and James Reed, Westfield, MA. Miriam is also survived by her sister Edna Borges, Fall River, MA and grandchildren, David Fogg, Christine Bevans, Rebecca Reed, Janet Reed, Raymond Reed, Dean Speth, Monic Rogers-Reed, Jonathan Speth, Katherine Speth, Jennifer Towle-Bassinger, Aimee Towle, Jacob Reed, Crystal Bluemer and Deborah Weldell. She also has 11 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. A seamstress her entire life and after the untimely death of her husband in 1957, Miriam’s refined talent for design and sewing (she was very well known for her beautiful draperies, slip covers and wedding gowns) was how she alone supported her children. Miriam’s talents were limitless. She was a painter (oil and watercolors), an artificer and a gifted writer. Sharing her love of the arts and passion for “creating”, she taught in the Westfield and Holyoke school systems. An active member of our community, Miriam was a long-standing member of the Westfield Woman’s Club, the Lady’s Guild and the Altar Guild-to name a few. Her love of family, friends, life, culture, history and the future lives on through all of those whose lives she touched. Forever in our hearts. You are dearly missed. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 1 PM in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 60 Broad St., Westfield, MA. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, 4-7 PM in St. John’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church. firtionadams.com
