Beloved Chatham Artist Susanne Taylor Succumbs to Ovarian Cancer

Chatham, MA, USA - In a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, Susanne Dolan Reney Taylor passed away peacefully at her home in Chatham, MA, on June 30, 2025, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. Born on February 26, 1957, in Worcester, MA, Susanne was a talented individual shaped by the rich tapestry of experiences she gathered throughout her life. She hailed from Brighton Road and graduated from Emmanuel College in 1979. Her professional journey saw her shine as an advertising account executive, serving various esteemed agencies and Time Magazine in New York before moving on to roles in Austin, TX, and Corning, NY.

On June 2, 1984, she married her beloved husband, Kenneth McNeill Taylor, Jr. at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham. Their life was a whirlwind of new adventures, as the couple frequently relocated for Kenneth’s career, with residences spanning from Texas to upstate New York, Chicago, Long Island, and even La Jolla, CA, and Manhattan. Despite their travels, Susanne’s heart remained loyal to Cape Cod, where she spent idyllic summers since childhood and eventually became a resident of Chatham in 1997. In 2016, she also established a home in Delray Beach, Florida, allowing her to stay close to her daughter and grandchildren.

A Life Filled with Art and Community

Susanne was not only known for her vibrant career but also for her artistic talents. An accomplished painter, she trained under renowned artists like Bruno Surdo and Mike Chelich, creating artwork celebrated for its precise depictions of flowers and ocean scenes. Her pieces grace homes across both Cape Cod and Florida, a testament to her passion for art and beauty. She was an active member of the Copley Society of Art in Boston and was represented by the Tree’s Place art gallery in Orleans.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Susanne played an integral role in various community endeavors. She was active in the Stage Harbor Yacht Club, the Cape Cod National Golf Club, and the Eastward Ho Golf Club, and maintained her ties in Florida with the Country Club of Florida and the Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club. She truly had a good hand when it came to building connections and enjoying life.

Courageous Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

As many know, ovarian cancer, which affects the ovaries or fallopian tubes, can be a particularly challenging opponent. According to Dana-Farber, the symptoms can include abdominal pain or swelling, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary concerns, among others. Most ovarian cancers are classified as epithelial carcinomas and are treated through a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and other therapeutic approaches. In Susanne’s case, her family expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. Carolyn Krasner and Alison Hamel, along with the Dana-Farber team, for their unwavering support throughout her six-year battle with this formidable disease.

In honoring Susanne’s memory, her family requests any charitable donations be directed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, specifically earmarked for GYN Oncology, to continue the fight against this devastating cancer.

Farewell Arrangements

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a wake scheduled for June 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham. A mass of Christian burial will follow on June 27 at Holy Redeemer Church, culminating with her burial at Seaside Cemetery.

Susanne is survived by her loving husband Ken, daughter Kelley (Jason Baum), sons Dan (Julia Streuli) and Dave (Tori Powell), and grandchildren Charlie and Josephine Baum. Her legacy of love, creativity, and community involvement will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of all who knew her.