Suellen Grant Knowles, 84, passed on October 2, 2025 after a long illness in Front Royal, VA.
Suellen was born in Louisville KY on March 27, 1941 to Lucy Yager Commandeur and Thomas Grant and grew up in Penns Grove, NJ.
Suellen is survived by her children, Kaeli Keating (Kevin) and Kenneth Knowles (Lori Eberly); a brother, Thomas Grant (Lela); two grandsons, Karson and Kolby Keating; and many nieces and nephews.
From a family of educators, Suellen began her career as a Physical Education teacher in New Brunswick, NJ and later served as Coordinator of Volunteers for the Wicomico County Schools (MD). She loved building partnerships and did so in several positions before ending her career as Director of the Chamber at Commerce in Winchester-Frederick County, VA.
Suellen had a deep passion for traveling, which began with her junior year in Vienna, Austria in 1962, and a favorite aspect of her job was facilitating trips to China and the establishment of international partnerships for local businesses. She also served on the Board of Visitors at the University of Mary Washington for two terms (1997-2005), her beloved alma mater.
Suellen loved life, was up for any adventure, and appreciated the fullness of her life and her many blessings. She treasured her time with family and friends, including annually celebrating the Kentucky Derby with a nip of Makers Mark in her mint julip, adored being a grandmother, and enjoyed volunteering, traveling, and gardening as a Master Gardener.
She was committed to historic preservation and community education in the Winchester area and taught continuing education classes at Shenandoah University Center for Lifelong Learning. Suellen was always actively involved in the Presbyterian church and most recently attended Opequon Presbyterian Church in Winchester, VA.
Funeral arrangements are private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Suellen’s memory can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Global, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263 or Home | Ronald McDonald House.
To all of Suellen’s family, our sincere sympathy. Suellen was a friend whom I enjoyed spending time with and was impressed with her lifetime accomplishments. Suellen spoke often of her “kids”, grandsons and brother with such love and expressed excitement when the time was coming to spend time with them.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Peter Heerwagen and Jane Lambert
Thank you, for your kind words.
To the children of Suellen Knowles. I was sorry to hear about your mother s passing. We had many good times together in Salisbury. We always enjoyed you “kids” as well. Know that she and you are remembered lovingly. Marilyn Batie.
Thank you
I am so saddened by the loss of Suellen. My father, Paul, passed the day before. Your mom and I came to know each other over many lunches where she and dad resided. She was always so kind, and always showed concern over my dad when he was having a hard day. She never stopped talking about her family and the many adventures she had throughout her life. She was a joy to be around. May the memories of her sustain you thru these hard times, just as my memories will sustain me. Sending love and light to you and your family.
Thank you, for spending time with her
Kaeli and Kenneth, my deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. I’ll always remember her for her always smiling and being so gracious when I lived in Salisbury. My prayers to you and the family for peace and comfort.
Thank you, Eric for your kind words. Hope that you are well.
You have my deepest sympathies. I treasure all of my childhood memories of our families together. Your mom brought so much light and life to our family celebrations. I remember bonding with her over our respective junior year semesters abroad in Vienna. She was a beautiful soul. I know she will be deeply missed, especially by Kaeli, Ken, and her beloved grandsons.
Thank you, Jeanne for sharing your memories about Suellen.
I am saddened to hear this news i chatted with Suellen many times when. she visited Kaeli, Kevin, Kolby and Karson on Summers Drive in Alexandria, VA. She truly enjoyed and loved her grandsons. May Suellen REST IN PEACE and RISE IN GLORY –🙏🙏
AMEN
Correction-
I am saddened to hear this news I chatted with Suellen many times when. she visited Kaeli, Kevin, Kolby and Karson on Summers Drive in Alexandria, VA. She truly enjoyed & loved her grandsons. May Suellen REST IN PEACE and RISE IN GLORY –🙏🙏
AMEN
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your memories of our mother.