Susan G. Reilly, 77 years of age, passed away unexpectedly at home in Savannah, Georgia, on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Her husband, Tom, was with her.

Sue was born on April 12, 1948 in Evanston, Illinois as the first of four children to LeRoy W. and Patricia (Quinlan) Gudgeon. They lived in Skokie, Illinois where she and her three siblings attended St. Lambert Catholic Grade School.  Sue and her family moved to Deerfield, Illinois where she attended Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois.  Sue proudly attended, and graduated with a bachelor of arts in Humanities from, St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana.

After college, Sue’s first job was at The First National Bank of Chicago, where she met her future husband, true love, and life partner, Tom Reilly.  They married in Deerfield, Illinois in 1972, honeymooned in Ireland, and started their life together, first in Chicago, then Northbrook, Illinois.

Tom’s career in finance moved them to Somers, Connecticut, then to Sherborn, Massachusetts and then to Dover, Massachusetts. They started a family with their daughter, Katherine. Sue was so happy to be a full-time mother and wife.  She made their home and lives very comfortable and enjoyable.  She planned numerous vacations for the three of them across the United States and to Europe. They visited family, museums, national parks, historical sites, and great restaurants.

Sue was always outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends everywhere she went.  She was a member of the choir at St. Theresa of Lisieux Church of Sherborn for numerous years, as well as a member of the church’s capital campaign.  Volunteering her time and expertise was an important part of her life.  She volunteered with various organizations, including the Junior League of Boston and Dana Hall School.

In 2000, Sue and Tom moved to London for a new chapter in Tom’s career. Sue made lasting friends through the American Women’s Club of London. Katie joined them often while they were living abroad, as did many friends and family members. Sue often said she had lovely dreams that she was still living in London and visiting Europe.

Upon their return from London and Tom’s retirement, Sue and Tom began spending winters at their new home at The Landings in Savannah, Georgia. They were surrounded by a wonderful community and new causes to support. Sue was an enthusiastic volunteer on the Board of the Savannah Children’s Choir, as well as the Savannah Philharmonic.  Sue and Tom have been avid supporters of the Savannah Music Festival, with Tom noting that Sue was the festival’s number one fan.

Besides her strong devotion to her family and her Catholic faith, Sue was a lover of books, education, music, the arts, Ina Garten’s cooking show, the Chicago Cubs, and assisting others in need. In addition, she loved her grade school, high school, and college friends, and family.  She always remained a friendly, outgoing, and happy Midwesterner.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Patricia Gudgeon of Illinois.

In addition to her husband, Tom Reilly, Sue leaves behind her daughter, Katherine Reilly of  Dallas, Texas; her brothers, John Gudgeon of Hollister, California, and Neil Gudgeon (Gail) of Columbus, Indiana; her sister, Valerie Gudgeon of Wheeling, Illinois; her in-laws, Kenneth Reilly (Barbara) of Coconut Grove, Florida, Ann Harris (Jim) of Dallas, Texas, Barbara Wheat (Dan) of Austin, Texas; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Sue leaves many beloved friends across the country.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. James the Less Church in Savannah, GA.  Burial of the cremains will take place this summer at All Saints Cemetery when a Celebration of Life is arranged in the Chicago area.  Date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you choose a donation of your choice in her honor.