J 329: Mourning the death of Ruby Reid, adored wife, mother and grandmother, and devoted member of her community

 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.