Kathleen Mavourneen McFarland Reid

October 10, 1947 -  January 8, 2016

“ A teacher takes a hand, opens a door, touches a heart,  shapes a future” – Author  Unknown

     Kathy Reid, age 68, passed away at her home in Bend.  She was born in Altadena, California to parents Donald P. McFarland and Helene (Marshall) McFarland.  She grew up in Duarte, California and graduated from Duarte High School in 1965.  Kathy enjoyed cheerleading, leadership activities and was “Miss Duarte” in 1965.  Kathy married Richard L. Reid later that year, and they had two daughters together.  When her youngest daughter, Kelly, developed kidney disease during childhood, Kathy comforted and cared for her as only a mother could.  Kathy supported both daughters into adulthood, their relationship becoming that of “best friends.”

     Kathy had considerable artistic talent, creating ceramics and macramé that she sold at various local shows.  After volunteering in her girls’ classrooms, Kathy found that she also had a passion for teaching.  She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Elementary Education in 1979.  Kathy and her family moved to Bend, Oregon that same year and they built a beautiful home in the forest.  She was hired in 1980 at RE Jewell School and finished her teaching career at Lava Ridge Elementary School, retiring in 2010.  Kathy received the Bend Foundation “Excellence In Teaching” Award in 1986.

     Mrs. Reid was a child magnet!  Even children that weren’t in her classroom came to visit with her.  She believed in enriching the “whole child,” and teaching tolerance and acceptance.  She was known for her art projects, field trips, plays/musicals, silly Halloween costumes, and was also highly regarded for her Martin Luther King productions.  Her teachings on civil rights earned her an Award for “Outstanding Contributions In The Area Of Human Rights.” Kathy’s other talent’s included gardening, decorating and dressing in her own colorful, funky style. 

      One of the biggest highlights of Kathy’s life was being “Gramie” to her grandchildren.  She adored them and faithfully attended their many activities and sporting events, cheering them and their friends on with love and pride.  Kathy was also blessed to have two of her grandchildren in her classroom.  Imagine, a class full of students unwittingly calling her “Gramie!”   And despite recent health and mobility issues, Kathy continued to keep her determined spirit and independence so she could be in her family’s lives.

     Kathy is survived by her daughters Tracy (Sean) Corrigan and Kelly Reid;  three grandchildren Quinn, Carson and Claire Corrigan;  Sisters Eve McFarland and Mariam (Chuck) Stein;  ex-husband Rich (Carol) Reid;  numerous nieces, nephews and grandnieces/nephews.  Also her beloved dog, Rocky.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and two nephews.   A Celebration of Life Of Life will be held on Saturday February 27, 2016 at 1 pm in the Lava Ridge Elementary School Gym.      Kathy’s family would like to thank the many friends and family members that have provided love, support and meals.