'What a wonderful, special lady' - reader tributes to Sunderland's Mary Reid

Dozens of people have shared their memories and tributes to a Sunderland grandmother who has died at the age of 94.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2018, 13:40 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2018, 15:20 BST
Mary, who was 94, died on January 18.Mary, who was 94, died on January 18.
Mary, who was 94, died on January 18.

Mary Reid was a well-known face around the city after spending more than six decades tending to plots at Castletown Cemetery.

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Read more: Tributes paid to Sunderland grandmother who tended German war graves ...
Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.
Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.

She hit the headlines towards the end of last year after being awarded the Gold Cross of Honour, the highest commendation offered by the German War Graves Commission.

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Described by her daughter Margaret Hahn as "quite a character", Mary's impact on people on places around the city will never be forgotten.

Here are some of your beautiful tributes to Mary from social media:

Andy Foster: "Too few people like this around today. It’s very sad to lose another.

Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.
Mary Reid receives The Gold Cross of Honour of the German War Graves Commission from Military Attache of the German Embassy in London, Colonel J Rutten.

"I’ve shared her story with German friends wherever and whenever possible. God rest her soul."

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Alison Burnell: "What a wonderful special lady and there are many messages to be taken from her story.

"Society should take a leaf out from Mary's book and that is of kindness and tolerance."

Susan Ord: "RIP Mary, thanks for the memories and laughter."

Vicky Hurst: "RIP Mary. Another angel as on earth shall be in heaven. God bless."

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Paul Noble: "What a beautiful soul. Wish there was more like her. RIP Mary."

Linda Armstrong: "What a lovely thing for Mary RIP from an ex-Castletown girl."

June Girdwood Ward: "Staunch British Legion member and Castletown through and through. RIP Mary."

Jan Lee: "Lovely Lady a real character."

Deborah Ian: "Goodbye to a family friend and inspirational lady."

Graeme Smith: "Respect."

Sylvia Weetman: "Bless you Mary resting with the angels, sleep well."

Mary's funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Hylton Castle, at 10.30am on Friday, February 9, followed by cremation.

Related topics:Sunderland