Margaret Mack Reese

Margaret “Maggie” Mack Reese August 18, 1943, to September 9, 2025 Margaret “Maggie” Mack Reese, 82, passed away on September 9, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida, the community she proudly called home since 1976. Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and rooted in her Presbyterian faith, Maggie built a life radiant with love, laughter, and friendship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Arizona State University, Maggie discovered a talent that became a hallmark of her professional life: connecting with people. She thrived in newspaper advertising, from the Miami Herald to the Fort Myers News-Press, where her creativity and tenacity made special project advertising a standout success. Recognized multiple years as one of Gannett Corporation’s top salespeople, Maggie’s secret was simple: listen first, then lift others up. Her favorite title, though, was Mom. She poured her heart into raising her two sons and later treasured being “GiGi” to her grandchildren, nurturing, cheering, and, yes, delighting in a bit of spoiling that only a grandmother can provide. If you knew her, you knew her ready smile, kind words, and her ability to make every conversation feel like the most important one of the day. Maggie’s spirit sparkled with humor. She was quick to smile and always had a funny story at the ready. Nothing delighted her more than hearing a room burst into laughter. Her laugh, bright, musical, and contagious, could turn an ordinary errand into an adventure and a tough day into a bearable one. She believed that joy belonged to everyone and shared it generously. Maggie’s volunteer spirit had a profound impact on Southwest Florida. A proud Junior League member, she was credited with much of the initial success of the Taste of the Town event and its popular cookbook, Gulfshore Delights. She championed youth golf as an early supporter of the Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association, encouraging countless children to pick up clubs and develop character along the way. A lifelong golfer herself, she believed the game revealed who we are, patience, honesty, and grace under pressure, and she lived those values until the very end. She loved the outdoor beauty of Southwest Florida, as well as all creatures big and small, especially her beloved English Springer Spaniel, Zoey. She was also a devoted supporter of America’s military veterans, a proud patriot in words and action. A music lover with wide-ranging tastes, she especially enjoyed André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. Her life was defined by kindness, steadfast strength, and a generosity that quietly brightened the days of others. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Michael of Windermere, Florida, and David of Fort Myers, Florida; her grandchildren, Jackson and Addison, and their mother, Tracey; her twin sister, Barbara Goede, Barbara’s children, Bill and Meg, and Barbara’s grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Emma, Olivia and Gage; along with an abundance of friends who became family over the years. She was predeceased by her brothers, Michael Mack and Seph Mack. She also leaves behind Zoey, her faithful companion. Celebration of Life: details will be announced soon. Maggie will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal shelter or a veterans charity in her honor. To borrow three words that best describe her—loving, strong, generous, may we carry those qualities forward, just as Maggie did, with a smile, a good story, and space in our hearts for one another.

Margaret Mack Reese

August 18, 1943 - September 9, 2025