Newbury - Norma D. (Dupee) Reader, age 99, longtime resident of Newbury, formerly of Gloucester, passed peacefully at her home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2021, knowing the love of her family was embedded deep in her heart. She was the devoted wife of the late Harold E. Reader, who passed in 2001.

Born in Somerville, the only child of the late David R. Dupee and Georgiana C. (Jones) Waterhouse, she was a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1940, furthering her education at the Kathleen Dell School in Boston graduating with an associate degree in 1942. Norma worked for many years at the Red Cross Blood Donor Center in Boston and as a medical secretary.

While raising her family in Gloucester, she made wonderful memories on the water and at Wingaersheek Beach. Owning her own boat allowed the family to be at the beach almost daily from May through October. She was a member of the Gloucester Power Squadron and even had her own float dedicated to her at the Building Center of Gloucester!

In 1960 the family became involved with showing American Saddlebred horses. She and Harold supported and encouraged this growing passion, as each of their children became involved. As one saddlebred became two, plus two hackney show ponies at their home in Gloucester, it was evident that they needed to purchase a farm. They chose Newbury. In 1980 she and Harold opened High Tail Acres Feed and Grain, becoming sub dealers of Blue Seal Feeds. Horse showing had become a full-time way of life.

Norma was a very independent woman, knew what she wanted, and was dedicated to her family, her friends and her customers. She enjoyed life, and lived it to the fullest. There was never a day where she didn't have anything to do.

Norma was a member of the New England Horsemen's Council, Massachusetts Horsemen's Council, North Shore Horsemen's Association, New England Hackney Society, New England Pony Owners and Breeders Association, American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Hackney Horse Society and the American Horse Shows Association. She contributed monthly articles for NEHS and NEPOBA in the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar, as well as being on their board of directors and banquet coordinator.

The memories of a life well lived and well loved, will forever be treasured by her four children, Dale Movalli of Gloucester, David Reader of Chandler, IN, Dawn DelTorchio and husband Russell "Skip" of Newbury and Deann Boulay and husband Stephen of Newburyport; her 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; along with extended family.

A private graveside service for family will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Newbury this coming Spring, 2022, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport.