Sarah Reid
February 11, 1922 to November 22, 2024
Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Sarah (Verge) Reid announces her passing on November 22, 2024, as she had lived her life with grace and dignity, at the wonderful age of 102, with her daughter Grace and son-in-law Bob, by her side.
Sarah is predeceased by her parents John and Mimy Verge, beloved husband Maxwell (1982), son Roland (2005), daughter Jennifer Babb (2013), only sister Florence Randell (2023), nephew Donnie Randell, and brother-in-law Don Randell.
Leaving behind with loving memories and thanksgiving are her daughter Grace and son-in-law Robert Williams; five cherished grandchildren, Brett (Nicky) Williams, Peter (Megan Orloff) Williams, Jennifer Williams (Chris Gunn), Kurt (Natalie) Reid, Karl (Lesley) Reid; eight great-grandchildren Abby and Molly Williams, Maxwell and Thomas Gunn, Lyla and Nelson Reid, Sophia and Roman Reid; daughter-in-law Shirley Reid; son-in-law Peter Babb; as well as other family and friends.
Sarah was born and raised in Winterton, Trinity Bay, where she attended school and church, and was the organist in St. Lukes’s Anglican Church. She kept her faith all her life, becoming a member of St. Thomas Church when she married in 1943 and moved to St. John’s.
Sarah was taught telegraphy by her mother who was the postmistress in Winterton, and at an early age, travelled to various communities in Newfoundland as a member of the few remaining Morse Telegraph Operators, where she made lifetime friends.
She met her future husband, Max, as a teenager when he would travel by bicycle from his home in Green’s Harbour to Winterton to meet Sarah. He was also a telegrapher, and they communicated by morse code from the various communities where they were each stationed in Newfoundland. In 1943 she married Maxwell Reid and moved to St. John’s, where they raised their family.
Sarah was an intelligent, independent, strong-willed, lovely lady, who devoted her life to her family and was affectionally called G.G. by her great-grandchildren, and gave willingly to each and every one.
In her 60’s Sarah decided to do research on her father’s P.O.W. record from W.W.I. as he had been captured following the Battle of Monchy Le Preux in 1916. She was tireless at this task and she did it with the results being at the Permanent Display of W.W.I. at the Rooms. She was so proud.
While involved in her father’s history, she decided to research her family tree and began her regular visits to the archives at the old Colonial Building. That led to a 25 year love affair with her ancestors. She learned how to operate a computer in her home to research any new information she had discovered. As a result, she has documented for her family our genealogy. She did it, but as she would say “It’s never finished.” What a wonderful gift! Thank you, Mom.
She will be terribly missed.
There will be no visitation. A private family service will be held at The Carnell Memorial Chapel.
No flowers by request. Kind donations may be made to the Gathering Place, or Bridges to Hope.
The Vokey Family of Spaniards Bay adds their condolences on the recent loss of your mother Sarah, or Sally as her sister Florence called her. Our mother Ellie Hiscock Vokey passed away exactly a year before Sarah ( Nov 22, 2023) at age 98 , not too long after Florence or Flossie as she was known to us. Mom grew up with Sarah and Florence in Winterton and when Mom and Flossie reunited after many years their friendship grew and during many visits, Flossie would talk of Sally and give details about her genealogy projects and how involved she was with the community. Flossie was extremely proud of her sister and it was obvious to us how close and loving they were. I may have met your mom during one of those visits but it would have been a long time ago. My sisters and I made regular trips to Winterton when our mom was able to travel and she talked a lot about growing up there and her friends, especially Florence since they were the same age, but she often mentioned Sarah and the post office where your parents worked..
On behalf of our family I extend heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. It is very sad to lose a parent no matter what age but we are thankful for the wonderful lives they had and the memories they leave for us to cherish. Sincerely, Dianne ( Vokey) Carr
To Grace and all family I of Sarah Reid
Ii only heard yesterday of the passing of your Mother Sarah (sally) we knew her by and always called her. She was an amazing lady, the last of my mom’s beloved friends.
She was such a pleasant lady, we had many chats on the the phone,
Take care Grace , your dedication to her and your faithful care, I suspect, contributed to her longltfe longevity.. We spent many hours at you summer house in Green’s Harbour during our youth, and was always treated so good by your mom and dad.. My mom and your mom are now rekindling their friendship Bond in their eternal home. His Bless Grace and Rest in Peace Sarah (Sally) Reid.
Grace, Bob and Family,
‘Sending our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Sarah. She lived a long and richly rewarding life and we’re sure she will be missed by
all her dear family and friends.
Douglas and Kathryn Mason
In thanksgiving for the life, legacy and witness of Sarah. . I first met her in the 1990s on her summer visits to Winterton and kept in touch with her over the years., a recipient of her gracious hospitality and generosity. . I have indeed been blessed by my time with her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Reid’s passing. She was such a lovely lady and I always enjoyed seeing her on her visits to the pharmacy and having a chat with her. She was always a pleasure to see. My condolences to Grace, Bob and your family..
Grace and family,
Sincere sympathy on your mother’s passing. Thinking of you as you go through this difficult time.
Jane
Grace, sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your mother. May your memories of good times and the care you gave her help you through this period of your lives. What a long and remarkable life she lived! I did not know her, but would have loved to have a chat with her, especially since my mom was also a wireless operator. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Grace and family,
My mom and I would like to send our deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. We always enjoyed our visits with her and the many cups of tea we shared.
Marion Critch & Clara Reid
To Grace and all the Reid family.
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother-grandmother-great grandmother.
A lot of memories from from days gone by.
Roy & Linda Symonds
My condolences to Brett, Peter and Jennifer, and the whole family, especially Grace. Very interesting life, especially the genealogy. .
Grace and Family,
My thoughts are with you as you mourn the passing of your Mom and celebrate her incredible life.
While I never knew your Mom I did hear wonderful stories about her from Jennifer and Peter.
Joanne
Grace…..So sorry to hear of your Mom passing. Hold on to
your Memories. Thinking of you at this sad time
My dearest Grace. She was my other mother for 74 years and I loved her. The world is more than a little bit empty without her remarkable life force in it. She will be remembered and her spirit lives on in all those she touched over her remarkable life. Love and hugs to you and Bob, Brett, Peter and Jennifer and to her whole beautiful family. Lynn and Gerry and our family
Dear Mrs Williams and Family. Deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom, one remarkable Lady. My Wife and I both grew up in Winterton, your Mom was a life long friend of her parents, Marion and Raymond Parrott and I knew your Mom through a friendship with Rollie from our teenage years to his untimely passing.. Your Mom was so very proud of her Winterton roots and a brief conversation with her, would make that very clear. Cherish all the wonderful Memories and may they be a source of comfort at this time, God Bless.
Dear Grace and Bob, I’m very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I did not know her, but after reading her obituary, I know her very well. Grace, you are very much your mother’s daughter. She was an amazing human being and did so much with her long life.
I’m sure you will miss her and enjoy all the wonderful memories you shared with her.
Grace and family , so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing..
I know you will miss her, but are left with many wonderful memories…Thinking of you all..
Joan.
Grace and Bob…..Sorry to hear of Mrs. Reid’s passing. Her obituary speaks so lovingly of a beautiful and strong woman.
Hold tight to all of your wonderful memories, and may she rest in peace.
Derek and Carolyn Tilley
Dear Grace and Bob and the family of Sarah Reid, I met your Mom a few times when I worked with Roland at O’Brien’s Drug Store in 1967-1968. It never easy to lose such a strong and valiant woman like her. Roland always spoke lovingly of his mother and his sisters. Such an amazing life that one can only celebrate in the midst of loss. I hope these words may bring you comfort that they may be something she would leave as a final message to you all. “When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.”
― Frederick Buechner
Grace and all family. So sorry to hear of Mrs,. Reid’s passing. While the time I spent with her as her Home Care worker wasn’t long, I thought the world of her. She was so pleasant, kind and knowledgeable. I know she is truly at peace with her beloved Max, who was the topic of many conversations, and I know how much she missed Roland and Jennifer. Now they are all together again in their happy heavenly home. Take care Grace. I know you will miss her dearly but I trust you will get comforted by how good you were to her while she was still here. God Bless you all.