Esther “Phyllis” Reed (Lee)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Phyllis, on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Beloved wife of the late Chester Reed and cherished mother of seven children: Christine, Sandra, Stanley (predeceased), (Jackie), Bradley (Julie), Ruth (Christopher), Martin (Kim) and Frank (Vicki). Also left to mourn are thirteen grandchildren: Shannon, Sean, Bonnie-Lee, Daniel, Scott, Michael, Nicole, Steven, Colleen, Randy, Laurie, Dale and Neil, as well as twenty-one great-grandchildren and her sister, Mona Norman. Also sadly missed by her dear friend Camille Turgeon. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Florence Lee, her sister Alice Eldridge and her brothers Oliver and David Lee.
Phyllis had a deep love and respect for her family, nature, music, gardening and animals. She had strong opinions on social injustice and the ability of the working man to provide for his family in sometimes difficult circumstances. Her sense of humor and strength of character will remain with us always. The lessons she taught us were invaluable and the loyalty and support given to her children was immense.
Phyllis worked at various jobs including at North Bay Civic Hospital as cafeteria cashier and as a housekeeper on 6 West. On her retirement, she spent much of her time taking care of her grandchildren, thus allowing her children to provide for their family without daycare worries. Her grandchildren learned how to fish, make maple syrup, take walks in the bush and enjoy her cats and dogs with her. She also took many train trips to beautiful British Columbia and Alberta to visit her son Martin and daughter Ruth, and she always enjoyed chatting with people she met along the way.
As per mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and we will gather to celebrate her life on Sunday, February 1st from 10 am until 2 pm at the Elk’s Lodge (325 Elks Lane).
Spring interment at Feronia Cemetery. Special thanks to Dr. Brill and the Emergency Room nursing staff. If desired, donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated.
We will miss you Mom, but we are happy knowing that Dad and our brother Stan are there to meet you with loving arms. Soon you will be making maple syrup in heaven and watching over your beautiful flower gardens once again. You might even take another boating trip up the Jocko River!
