Reta Merle (Priest) Warman, 96, of Brookfield, On December 15, after a period of declining health, Reta finally made it “home” to be reunited with her parents, Robert Earle and Bernice Addie (Piper) Priest; her brothers Stuart (Rachel), Mardis (Phyllis), Stanley (Mary), George (Betty) and Chester (Mary) Priest; sisters Ina Robbins (Jay), Arlene Prueser (Arthur), and Phyllis Ward (Grady), and her beloved husband of 47 years, Gordon Stanley Warman, who passed away in March 1998.

Reta was born on May 30, 1929, on a farm in East Barnard, VT. During the Great Depression, when she was still quite young, her family moved to Winchendon, MA for better job opportunities and to be closer to family. Reta graduated in 1947 From Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA, and from Leominster Hospital in 1950. She was a Registered Nurse for more than 40 years, working at several hospitals and nursing homes, some factories and schools, and she had some private duty cases during her career as well. She also proudly served as an EMT for the town of Brookfield, always trying to give back to her community with her time and abilities.

Throughout her life, Reta believed in serving her community, bringing her energetic spirit to everything she did. In the 1960s she was a girl scout leader helping a generation of girls learn leadership skills. Once retired from the medical profession, she became the Merrick Public librarian in Brookfield for several years, delighting patrons with her welcoming presence, positive attitude, and caring nature. She loved reading biographies and anything historical, being a big fan of local, national and world history. She spent a lot of time working on her family genealogy and was thrilled to join Daughters of the American Revolution. Every family vacation included a history lesson and visit to a historical location. Even random rides around the local area were not complete without some sort of historical story and discussion about all the stone walls that are part of the New England landscape. Reta enjoyed her time as a member of the Quaboag Historical Commission and while on the Brookfield Historical Commission, she worked with other members to designate historical districts, homes and buildings in the town and vicinity.

Reta was a very social person – “I’ll just be a minute!” always turned into several minutes because she would run into someone she knew, and the gabbing would begin! She enjoyed moments spent at the West Brookfield Senior Center during knitting group time, holiday celebrations and craft events. She made people feel seen and cared for wherever she went.

Reta was a very creative and artistic person. She was an inaugural vendor at the Apple Country Fair in 1980 and continued to have a booth for more than 35 years! Her signature “apple tree sweater” was sought after every year with many generations of customers coming by her booth before she could even get set up. She was a knitter, painter, woodworker, stenciler, seamstress and all-around crafter. In her travels, she loved to find a “diamond in the rough” that she could refurbish or upcycle. Reta had quite a green thumb, spending “oodles” (a word she loved to use!) of hours in her outside gardens and yard. She was so proud of the results and often received compliments from neighbors and folks walking by which pleased her immensely.

She loved her daily banana, peanut butter, orange spice tea, and the occasional jelly donut or vanilla soft serve as a treat.

Her most favorite and treasured activity was spending time with her family as often as possible, but especially during vacations in Maine where she loved to walk the beach looking for seashells, fun rocks, and sea glass with her grandkids when they were young.

She leaves her loving son Thomas Gordon Warman (Linda), adored daughters Nancy Jo Brown (Warren), and Gae Susan Warman-Gold; precious granddaughter Kylee Gold; cherished grandsons Wade, Brad and Reed Warman, and Maxwell Gold. She also leaves many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

The family would like to thank the very caring hospice team at Overlook and Care Central VNA who provided professional, gracious, spiritual and compassionate support to Reta and her family for the last two and a half years. We will miss seeing you all regularly and listening to the many renditions of Reta’s favorite hymn, “In the Garden”, that Pastor John and Chaplin Ralph would sing for her. We also wish to thank the Tri-Valley staff and the many wonderful companions and home health aides they matched us with who supported us in her care.

Reta always stayed positive and would say to look for the “silver lining” in times of challenge or hardship. You might not notice it right away, but eventually it will be revealed. In honor of Reta, please consider passing on a smile, a kind word or thoughtful gesture to someone in an unexpected moment. In memory of Reta, nurture a plant or garden, knit a hat or some mittens for someone, pick up a book and read it cover to cover, visit a historical landmark and learn some history, take a walk on your favorite beach, or just enjoy a cup of tea or simple peanut butter sandwich with friends.

Per Reta’s request, there will be no services. Burial will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park at the convenience of her family.

Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home 3 West Brookfield Rd Brookfield.