Edna was born at start of the roaring 20s, a period of economic growth, prosperity and political freedom post World War I.
Memories of her childhood and early married life were marked by the Depression and wartime, when rations were scarce and people “just had to make do”.
Edna is a true Delegate local, having spent all her life in the town. She’s the eldest daughter of Geoff and Nellie Stewart, who owned the local garage and ran the 32-volt lighting supply for the town.
Along with the other four Stewart siblings—Kitty (deceased), Jack (deceased), Madge (deceased) and Roma—she attended the local convent school of St Joseph.
It was here she developed a lifelong dedication to the Sisters of St Joseph and her parish church.
On weekends and afternoons Edna worked at the garage helping her father serving petrol and reading electricity supply metres.
In 1938 she was selected for the Southern Monaro Hockey Team to play in Sydney at Country Week. In later years she enjoyed a game of golf.
She was an active member of Delegate Hospital Auxiliary for many years. In 1940 she married George Reed, another Delegate local and manager of Dalgety & Co Stock Agents.
They had four children: Barry, Peter, Stephen and Mary Anne. During World War II, George served in the Middle East and Borneo, while Edna raised the two eldest boys with the “great support of my friends and family”.
When George retired, they bought a sheep and cattle farm outside of town. George died in 2000. Edna continued to live at the family home until just two years ago.
In 2018, after a brief illness Edna moved to Delegate MPS where’s she made lots of new friends with staff and other residents.
A lifetime avid reader, she completes one or two novels each week and she loves doing crossword puzzles. Edna says the secret to a long life is “a good sense of humour, good food and the love of family”.
On 7 April 2020 her 4 children, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, friends and staff will gather (virtually) to celebrate the wonderful long life of Edna (Mary) Reed.
Chief Executive Margaret Bennett, Southern NSW Local Health District met Edna on a recent visit to Delegate MPS. She contacted Edna on the day to wish her a happy birthday.
“I was delighted to call Edna and wish her a wonderful birthday. It’s an amazing milestone and we chatted for some time about her family and the books she’s reading.”
