Jean Ethel Reid

Jean Ethel (Wylie) Reid, 91, of Harwinton, CT passed away on February 15, 2026.

She was born in Torrington, CT on July 30, 1934, to Ethel L. (Morrissey) and John R. Wylie. Jean was married to the late Everett C. Reid who passed in 2020; they were married for 64 years.

Jean was educated in Torrington and graduated from THS Class of 1952. She met Everett (Evie), they fell in love and married in 1956 and began a family.

Jean had a sunny disposition and loved people but was always remembered as most stubborn. She was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a member of vestry and alter guild, and twice a member of the church’s Capital Fund raising. She was a founding member of the Berkshire Chapter of Sweet Adelines and part of the local Red Hat Society.

In 1960, Jean was invited to become a “stringer” for the Waterbury Republican American – a job that set her off on a new career. In 1970, she established the Thomaston office for the newspaper and in 1980, she moved to the Plymouth-Terryville beat, where she served until the late 80’s, when she moved to the Scene department in Waterbury. As a feature writer, she did a weekly cooking column, “Chef du Jour”, and covered a variety of social events. Jean retired in 1995 after 30 years of service. Before she retired, she enrolled at NCCC and earned an Associates Degree, so she had an answer for those when asked, “what do you want to do when you grow up?”. Jean did well at NCCC, she was a member of “Phi Theta Kappa”, an honor society for those in the associate degree program.

Jeans’ greatest achievement, that brought her joy, was serving on all her class reunions. When the 50th reunion came, she and Marlene Parker, as co-chairman, and committee put on a spectacular reunion that classmates will long remember. When asked to comment on her life, Jean said, “It’s been quite a ride”.

She had a passion for baking, especially cookies. Her time to shine was Christmas when she did her magic and made Swedish, Scottish, Italian, Sugar, and Spice for a host of friends and family. The best part of the cookie adventure was including the grandchildren and teaching them cooking skills she learned from her mom. The family spent many happy hours with her parents on Cape Cod and other summer destinations. She loved her family and friends and her animals Chris, Bo and BJ.

Jean is survived by her two sons, Everett (Chip) C. Reid of Torrington, CT and John (Jay) J. Reid and his wife Robin of Harwinton, CT; grandchildren, David Reid and his wife Tracy, Emily Reid, and Paige Reid; and Audrey Keywan (ex daughter in-law). She was predeceased by her husband Everett and her brother Howard Wylie who died two years before her birth.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect Street, Torrington, CT at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Jean’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com