Doris Reed

Doris Reed, 96, passed away on April 15, 2021 after a 3 year battle with congestive heart disease, which she waged at Good Shepherd Fairview in Binghamton, NY. Doris was born on Aug 6, 1924 in Ithaca, NY. She was predeceased by her father, Harold Reed, her mother, Henrietta Koch Reed, her older brother, Kenneth and her younger brother, Roger. Although Doris had no immediate family, she was lovingly 'adopted' into not one, not two, but three different families. She was Auntie Doris to the Perrine Wilhelm's. She was Grandma and Dear Friend to the Espinosa's and a close friend also, to the family of Susie Ravage. Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church also considered her part of their family. She was a proud member of the "Old Crones". Doris did not grow up knowing many relatives but was delighted as an adult to connect with her 2nd cousins the Shea's, and the Littles of Pennsylvania and the Wibergs of Connecticut. Doris graduated from Ithaca High School in June of 1942. From there, she went on to the Eastman School of Music where she received "The Peformer's Certificate in Oboe," in 1946. Doris performed in the orchestras of Oklahoma City, OK, and San Antonio, TX. After several years as a struggling musician, Doris decided that she wanted to eat (her words) so she went back to school in New York City and received a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy. She served in that capacity throughout the 5 buroughs of New York City before relocating to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City so she could be closer to her aging mother. Doris was a devoted daughter and 'friend in need' to all who knew her. Doris was a world traveler. Besides visiting Alaska and many of these United States, she saw the Great Wall of China and much of Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Doris was best known, however, for her political activism. She served as an election supervisor in South America. She made friends in El Salvador, Beliz and Ecuador just to name a few of the countries she visited there. She was arrested for protesting the School of the Americas influence in that region of the world. She did not serve time for that offense but was placed on probation, much to her delight. In 2009 Doris received the prestigious Phoenix Award for her involvement in politics. She was a philanthropist as well as an activist. Many political programs/candidates/organizations benefited from her generous hand as did many conservationist and humanitarian groups. Her family and friends also knew that Doris was always there to lend a hand to them whenever they asked. A Memorial Service will be held for Doris, her family, and friends, 11:00 am, September 18, 2021, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, at 183 Riverside Dr in Binghamton, NY. Doris will be placed to rest with her parents and brothers in Lake View Cemetery in Ithaca, NY. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home. Rest in Peace, Doris. We will miss your hearty, infectious laughter. You have left a void in the hearts of many.