Senate Resolution No. 329

BY: Senator COMRIE

MOURNING the death of Ruby Reid, adored wife,
mother and grandmother, and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Ruby Reid was one such individual;
and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Ruby Reid on January 24, 2025,
at the age of 101, noting the significance of her purposeful life and
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Elaine Weston was born on March 21, 1923, at Harlem
Hospital in Manhattan, to Joseph and Clarice Weston; she was the first
of two children, with her younger sister Joyce arriving two years later;
the family eventually moved to Jamaica, Queens, where Ruby attended PS
40Q and later graduated from Jamaica High School; she went on to pursue
a nursing degree at the Lincoln School of Nursing in the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, In 1936, Ruby met Charles Reid, and their friendship
blossomed into a deep love, leading to marriage; when Charles was
inducted into the United States Army during World War II, Ruby continued
her studies, becoming the first married student at the Lincoln School of
Nursing; she graduated with her nursing degree, and Charles returned
home with an honorable discharge in 1945; together, they raised three
children: Charles Jr., Ronald, and Sharon; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Reid began her nursing career at Queens General
Hospital, where she rose to the position of Head Nurse in the emergency
room; she thrived in the fast-paced, critical environment, though she
turned down several opportunities for advancement; eventually, she
accepted a supervisory position on the night shift; and

WHEREAS, After 35 years of dedicated service, Ruby Reid stepped away
from her nursing career to care for her mother, Clarice, who had
sustained a hip fracture; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work as a nurse, Ruby Reid had a deep
love for children; she served as a cradle roll and kindergarten teacher,
and was known for telling children's stories at her church; she became a
charter member of Mount Sinai SDA Church, where she worked as the
Vacation Bible School Director and led the Lower Division of the Sabbath
School Department; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Ruby Reid was a member of the St. Albans Civic Association
and contributed to numerous community improvement projects; she took
pride in her neighborhood, and was often seen sweeping the entire block;
and

WHEREAS, Ruby Reid lived a healthy lifestyle and encouraged others
to do the same; she walked daily from her home to the Cross Island
Parkway until the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Known affectionately as Nana, Ruby Reid opened her home to
many students and others in need of a safe haven; she became a second
mother to everyone who entered her home, with an extended family that
included health aides, neighbors, friends, and members of her church;
her sunny disposition, patience, and willingness to lend a helping hand
touched countless lives; and

WHEREAS, While she was passionate about many things, including
reading and gardening, above all her greatest passion was her family for
whom she was a pillar of strength, love and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her loving husband of 75 years, Charles, who
passed away in 2020 at the age of 101, as well as two of her beloved
grandchildren, Philip Reid in 1990 and Kim Reid in 2024, Ruby Reid
leaves behind her three children, two daughters-in-law, ten
grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren; four
great-great-grandchildren; and her adopted daughter, Marilyn Tucker; and

WHEREAS, Ruby Reid's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ruby Reid leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were
privileged to have known and loved such an amazing woman; she will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ruby Reid, and to express its deepest condolences to
her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ruby Reid.