Susan Taylor Montague Reese

Susan Taylor Montague Reese 1937-2026

Susan Taylor Montague Reese died peacefully at Goodwin House Alexandria on February 13, 2026 at the age of 88.

The daughter of Paul Talbot Taylor and Lois Atkinson Taylor, Susan grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She attended St. Catherine's in Richmond, and graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1959. She lived in Richmond with her first husband Gilmer Minor Montague until 1968 when they moved to Alexandria.

For over forty years, Susan had a thriving career as a real estate agent, working first for Macklin-Hansen Real Estate and then for McEnearney Associates.

Susan had a keen eye for design, whether in clothes or interiors. A social spirit, she treasured her friendships, maintaining close ties with people from every stage of her life. She relished entertaining in her home, where she always set a gorgeous table. Bridge was a favorite pastime, from her college years through her residency at Goodwin House.

An avid gardener, Susan loved nothing more than sitting on her patio, enjoying plants, trees and birds.

Susan adored her grandchildren and showered them with way too many toys and clothes when they were little. She was a wonderful storyteller, lacing her tales with her characteristic acerbic humor. Nantucket was one of her favorite places in the world, and she visited every summer for many years.

Susan loved classical music, and volunteered with the Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria. She was a parishioner at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill for more than fifty years.

She had a series of cats over the years, and they brought her much pleasure.

She is survived by her daughter Ashley, her son-in-law Michael Row and grandchildren Sarah and Andrew Row. Her husband Howard E. Reese died in 2006.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haiti Micah Project https://haiti-micah.org/ or the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra https://alexsym.org/support/donate/. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.