Aurega (dn Padraig) Ryland Reid, 19, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
She was born Padraig Ryland Reid on December 10, 2004, in Huntsville. Aurega, known as Aurie, is survived by her father, Robert K. Reid and mother, Molly Pettis Reid; her uncles, James R. Pettis, David L. Pettis, Roy A. Pettis, Kenneth Manning, David Jeffrey Reid, Kelly Hardeman, and Freddy Vandiver; and her aunts, Alicia Pettis, Beverly Pettis, Kandy Pettis, Jane Manning, Tonya Kim Godfrey, Vicki Roach, Jaime Hardeman, and Erica Vandiver. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James C. Pettis and Bernice Ryland Pettis of Huntsville, Robert Odell “Bobby” Reid and Geraldine Mitchell Reid of Muscle Shoals and Billie Merle Vandiver of Chattanooga.
Aurega lived in Huntsville and attended Montessori School of Huntsville after living in the UK in her early years. Aurega completed her homeschool studies in 2023. She spoke fluent Spanish, taught herself Latin and was studying Arabic and Akkadian. She loved Greek philosophy (particularly Plato) and all things ancient. She anticipated becoming a historian and archeologist specializing in Sumerian Studies as well as a linguist. She worked for her mother doing data entry. She played guitar masterfully and wrote heavy metal grind core music as well as electronica and blues. She was proud to have attended one of BB King’s last concerts. She was sharp-witted, strong-willed and brilliantly funny. Aurega was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Huntsville along with her parents. She read a wide variety of sacred texts and prayed daily.
A private funeral will be held.
The family asks that those who wish to honor her please make donations to Shenanigans Comedy Theatre in her name.
