BIOGRAPHY

Reed was born in Loughgilly, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, on 20 April 1910. She was one of nine children and served in a secret establishment of the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, she moved to Cornwall with her husband and their son David, where they operated a farm and grew primroses for the London flower markets.

Reed, who lived at Priory Court since 2015, was known for her independence, active lifestyle, and strong Christian faith. She credited her longevity to avoiding alcohol, staying busy, enjoying fresh air, and her religious beliefs. Even at an advanced age, she continued to participate in community activities, including attending Roman Catholic mass weekly. She was also one of the oldest people to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020.

Reed celebrated her milestone birthdays with cakes, cards from HM Queen Elizabeth II, and tea parties thrown by the care home staff. As a supercentenarian, she remained active and engaged, delighting in the company of her family and fellow residents. Her kindness and generosity were fondly remembered by many, including her contributions as a shop owner and her renowned grater cakes.

Reed passed away in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, England, UK, on 8 July 2021 at the age of 111 years. Tributes poured in from the community, recognising her as an inspiration and a beloved figure. Her legacy of resilience, faith, and community spirit continues to be cherished by all who knew her.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Andrew Holmes and Finbarr Connolly, and validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 15 June 2020.

Reed was the oldest known living person born in Northern Ireland. According to Oldest in Britain, she was the seventh-oldest resident of the U. K. upon her death.

ATTRIBUTION

• Burnham-On-Sea’s oldest resident celebrates her 108th birthday! Burnham-on-Sea.com, 26 April 2018
• Burnham-on-sea’s oldest resident celebrates 110th Birthday at Priory Court Care & Nursing Home Country Court, 22 April 2020
• Burnham’s oldest resident celebrates 111th birthday and reveals secret of long life Burnham-on-Sea.com, 21 April 2021
• Supercentenarian Margaret celebrates 111th Birthday at Priory Court Care & Nursing Home Country Court, 21 April 2021
• Tributes paid to Burnham-On-Sea’s oldest resident as she dies aged 111 Burnham-on-Sea.com, 23 July 2021

GALLERY