Sally Mesta Reed passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, after a brief illness. She was 95.

Sally was born in Pittsburgh on August 21, 1925, and grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Following her marriage to Charles Manning Reed in 1953, she lived in Beirut for several years before settling in Darien, Connecticut. In 1963, Sally moved with her children Kate and Charles to Europe, first to France and then to England, where they lived for 18 years. On returning to the USA in 1980, she settled in Connecticut, first Redding, then Newtown, and for the past three years in Woodbury. She always loved the leafy, hilly, countryside of Connecticut and the changing beauty of the seasons.

Sally was a very active, athletic, fun loving, and competitive lady. Especially fond of horses, she had a daily commitment to her horses and their training. She worked hard to reach her goals and competed to a high level in Dressage (Prix St George) and was riding well into her seventies. Though her equestrian days ended, her vigor and determination did not. She joined a gym where she exercised several times a week until she was 92. Her dedication inspired many of the younger members; she was a true role model.

Sport has always been a big part of Sally’s life, both as an active participant or just watching. She was an excellent skier, swimmer, and enjoyed a game of golf. She loved to watch football; though frustrated by her beloved Giants, she was a fan always. When the football season ended, she would switch to baseball (Yankees, of course), tennis (Federer), golf (Spieth), and when in UK she loved to go horse racing. Basically, she was a “good all-rounder”!

Sally will be remembered for her great sense of style, her open mind, and wide-ranging curiosity, to say nothing of her terrific sense of humor, and her wonderful parties. Sally was the “hostess with the mostest.” She loved to travel and always came home with stories to share that were full of fun and adventure.

Sal, as she was often called, loved life and cherished everyone around her, and they loved her. Her view was that even when life ends, life goes on, and if one is lucky, one leaves a lasting imprint. Her star will shine brightly.

Sally is survived by her longtime partner, Hilary Gurdon; her daughter, Kathryn Reed, and her husband, Gary Stranko; Sally’s son, Charles Manning Reed, Jr, his ex-wife, Rebecca Reed, and their daughter, Hannah Reed (grandaughter); her niece, Peggy Plympton; and her nephews, Douglas Plympton, Barclay Geib, and Howell Geib; and last but not least, Sally’s BFF and constant companion, her dog, Lulu.

To leave an online condolence, please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.