Susan Giles

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Susan Mary Reece Giles, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the age of 79, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Susan was born in Melbourne, England in 1944 and moved to the US with her mother after World War II to be with her father. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology and went on to work for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in Raleigh, NC. She had a strong passion for wildlife conservation and stewardship, which led to her promotion as an educator at Pisgah Wildlife Center. She felt completely at home in Brevard and enjoyed telling stories about her adventures at the Center.

Susan was a devoted mother to her three children, Lori Hernandez (Ivan, spouse), Hoyt Giles (Leasa, spouse), and Catherine Carmell (Chris, spouse). Her love for them was evident in everything she did, and she was a constant source of support and guidance throughout their lives. She was also a proud grandmother to Brandon Giles (Stephanie, spouse) and Morgan Giles (Josh Watkins, fiancé), and great-grandmother to six.

After retiring in 2006, Susan moved back to the Triangle to spend time with her family and to take care of her mother. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and loving on her cats.

Susan was preceded in death by her father, Wister Lee Reece, her mother, Dilys Mae Reece Hale, and her sister, Elizabeth Ann Reece Hanzak. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday, May 7. Susan's passing leaves a great void in our lives, but her memory will live on in our lives.