Susan Lynn Matthews-Reiter

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Susan lost her courageous 17-year battle with metastatic breast cancer on April 16, 2022 at home, surrounded by her family, under a full moon. She was born July 25, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio to Thomas Halloran and Sandra Pierce Lott. She went home to God joining her parents and brother Michael Halloran.

She is survived by husband Marc Reiter. Her stars and moon - her children Michael and wife Sarah Hallmark, Jake Matthews, Annie Matthews-Bobet and husband Andrew, Elisabeth and husband Colin Bromley, Brady Reiter. Adored grandson Bennett Bromley. She is further survived by sister Kathleen Melnikoff and husband Mike. Additional family include mother-in-law Tina Reiter and partner Bob Cashin and sister-in-law Zoe Reiter. Nieces Amber Lyle and family, Nicole Halloran and family and Kaitlyn Halloran. Aunts Judy Neroda, Melody Halloran and Betsy Miozzi. Her children’s fathers Mike Hallmark and Mike Matthews

Susan left behind a legacy like no one else. While going through her cancer treatments; she did countless drug and clinical trials giving hope to all that will follow her. The knowledge gained by the doctors from Susan’s willingness to endure anything they asked of her was and is invaluable to those who succeed her. Some of these drugs are now readily used in combating breast, lung and brain tumors.

Susan was a free spirit and lived her life to the fullest not allowing her cancer to dictate to her how she would live her life. She continued to work, travel and rescue animals. She retired as a marketing specialist at EOG Resources.

Susan never let her treatments interfere with her plans. During her treatments, Susan and Marc began transporting rescue dogs out of state. One trip in particular involved about two dozen puppies to Long Island. She quipped that you quickly get over the “love of puppy smells” in an RV packed with them. They made numerous trips with the RV, often pulling the boat rescuing hundreds of animals. She was the ultimate in fostering failure. She’d bring home dogs always intending to find them a home. They did – with her.

She loves the water – catamaran races, snorkeling, diving. She loved a parade, and was well known for winning the contests involved; her competitive spirit was well loved and welcomed! The trips with family and friends are legendary. She was the ultimate hostess and generous to all.

Susan also leaves behind legions of friends – far too many to name here. Many of Susan’s friendships are decades old. Yet, whether you knew her for a day, a year, or your lifetime; she left an imprint on your life like no other. Susan was the best friend to many.

Her family was her biggest source of pride. Susan was a mother first, always. She taught and led by example. Her grace, strength and courage will live on in not only her children but all who love her. Susan spent many years as a single Mom to her three children and never thought of herself; her children were her first priority. Susan and Marc married May 13, 2006 in the British Virgin Islands, under a full moon. Susan welcomed Marc’s children as her own and never used the term step – they were hers as well. She used to say that “we do not use the word step in this household, we are simply a family.”

The family thanks everyone for all their love and support especially during these last months.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7th, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Drive, Houston, TX

The family requests NO cut flowers.

In lieu of flowers and plants, please donate in memory of Susan Matthews-Reiter (in Memo) to:

Friends of “BARC”

P.O. Box 70315

Houston, TX 77270

www.friendsofbarc.org

OR

Animal Justice League

P.O. Box 924331

Houston, TX 77292

www.animaljusticeleague.org