Madeline Reed

Madeline Reed, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026 surrounded by her devoted and loving family.  Madeline was born in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania on April 26, 1934 to the late Joseph and Edna Sheldon (McCool).    

Madeline was the beloved wife of John Donald “Jack” Reed, whom she married on May 29, 1954, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Jack preceded her in death on February 10th, 2010. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage and made their home in the McMurray area for 54 years, building a life centered on family, faith, and devotion to one another. 

Madeline was a graduate of St. Francis Academy.  Madeline was involved in her parish, St. Benedict’s in McMurray. She had been self employed as a seamstress and dress maker and then as a purchaser for McKesson Robbins, and later Fox Meyer Drug. 

Madeline was a loving mother to her four sons: John Reed Jr. (partner Betty Jo), Joseph Reed (Ruth), James Reed (Annie), and Jay Reed (Lisa ). Madeline was a proud grandmother to Joseph Jr., Lisa, Sarah, Rachel,  Nathan, and Matthew, and great-grandmother to Ethan, Ben, Kellen, and Rory. She was a proud aunt to many nieces and nephews.  Madeline was preceded in death by her four sisters: Mary Reed, Marian Gossler, Marilyn Curtis, and Marlene Lebowitz. 

Madeline was known for her expert sewing and knitting, which she generously shared with family and friends, often teaching her craft at church. She enjoyed playing dominoes, working on challenging puzzles, and researching her family history as the family genealogist.

Her greatest joy was her family. She treasured memories of summer picnics, swimming, gatherings at the Sheldon farm, home-cooked meals, and Christmases filled with carefully prepared stockings and endless cookies. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary.

Madeline will be remembered for her boundless love, gentle heart, and gift for making everyone feel special. While she often said she was blessed by her family, those who loved her know they were truly the blessed ones.

A mass will be held at 10am on January 15, 2026 at St Benedict the Abbot Church – St. John XXIII Parish, 120 Abington Dr., McMurray, PA, 15317. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will be private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madeline’s honor to Our Ladies of Charity at St. Benedict the Abbot.