My parents, Lee Bartlett Weed and Barry Weed, were a power couple and influencers before there was such a thing. I want to share some of their story, their strong belief in education and their commitment to being active and involved citizens. I hope it will inspire you to do the same.
They both graduated Marblehead High School, Class of 1958, and neither went to college — at least not right away. My mom went to nursing school as that was more affordable for her at the time. She knew she needed more education, so she attended Salem State at night for 10 years to get her nursing degree and graduated magna cum laude!
My mom worked at Mary Alley Hospital, the only place she ever wanted to work as she wanted to care for the people in her community. She was a night nurse, which left her time to both serve on many committees and to make sure our homework was done. She was the warden at St. Michael’s Church and was on the board and before she passed away director of the Marblehead Female Humane Society. This organization, which was founded in the 1800s to support widows and orphans combined all the things Lee felt most deeply about — caring for the people of this town. Not only did she lead this incredible philanthropy, but she also mentored those who served with her, sharing her deep understanding of the mission and modeling how one should carry that out.
My dad started as a teller at the National Grand Bank and retired as the president. He was on every board in town — treasurer of St. Michael’s, the YMCA, the Masonic Lodge, Salem Hospital and, of course, the bank.
Both Lee and Barry were original founders of the Rotary Club of Marblehead.
On top of all of that, they shared their belief that education was vitally important. There was no question that my sister Elizabeth (MHS ’85) and I (MHS’81) would go to college whether we wanted to or not! They believed strongly that our schools were a critical element of our town as both builders of solid citizens and as feeders to higher education. And while neither of them served in an elected position, they developed relationships with leaders that allowed them to share their opinions on every topic related to our public schools.
Lee loved the Current. She was so happy that the void left by the Reporter has been filled. She would have been grateful for the coverage of our schools and applauded the continued shining of a light on such an important piece of her beloved town.
Lee and Barry Weed meant a lot to Marblehead — and Marblehead meant a lot to them. In their honor and memory, I am offering the Education Match Challenge. I am grateful to be living the life that they envisioned for me including earning a college degree and two post-graduate degrees. For every dollar raised I will match up to $2,500.
Please join me in the Barry and Lee Weed Education Match Challenge to keep the Current schools coverage coming.
Rick Weed is a member of the Marblehead Current’s board of directors and lives in Marblehead.
