Cora Reed, at 84; was Maine first lady

PORTLAND, Maine -- Former Maine first lady Cora Reed, who suffered a stroke 10 days ago, died Sunday in a Washington, D.C., hospice.

Mrs. Reed, 84, was the wife of former Governor John Reed, who occupied the Blaine House, the governor's residence, from 1959 to 1967. He later chaired the National Transportation Safety Board and served as ambassador to Sri Lanka.

The Reeds lived in the nation's capital, where they have remained active in the Maine State Society.

In a statement, Republican US Senator Olympia Snowe remembered Mrs. Reed as ''a remarkable woman who earned a place in the hearts of Mainers and ensured -- through her gracious hospitality and warmth -- that the Blaine House truly belonged to all people."

''She left a lasting legacy at the governor's residence and in the state she loved," Snowe said.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church in Washington.