Zoe Montague died peacefully at home on August 2nd. Zoe was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Chicago, Easthampton, Massachusetts, and New York City. She graduated from the University of Chicago.

In 1951 she married Dan Montague while they were both still in college. After graduating they lived in Japan while Dan was in the Navy. After returning to the States, they lived in the Chicago area while Dan went to seminary and Zoe earned a Master's Degree in Education. Zoe taught in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, until 1969 when they moved to Tappahannock, Virginia. Their three children finished high school there, and the family much enjoyed living near a river and the joys of aquatic life. Zoe continued to teach after a move to Northern Virginia. She transitioned to teaching computer classes for Digital Equipment Corporation which led to a number of jobs within DEC. She retired in 1992.

In their retirement, Zoe and Dan traveled extensively and adopted a Newfoundland/Lab dog named Bear, who instigated a whole new chapter in Zoe's life. In 1999, they moved to West Cummington, Massachusetts, and began Riverbear Newfoundlands Kennel. Zoe and Dan bred beautiful Newfoundlands for many years, taking great delight in showing dogs and matching puppies to just the right owners. After Dan died in 2012, she slowly closed the kennel, moving in with her daughter in Hinsdale in 2015.

Zoe is survived by her son Daniel (Carolyn) Montague III of Australia and her daughter Martha Bodine of Hinsdale. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, bringing her much joy every time she was with them.

She is predeceased by her husband, her daughter, Melanie Marie Montague Carpenter, and her son-in-law, Robert Bodine.

Zoe will be remembered for her graciousness, kindness, dry wit, and her strong stand for social justice. Her wisdom will be missed by all who knew her.

As per Zoe's wishes, there will be no funeral. She did agree to the singing of her favorite hymns at the Sunday service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stockbridge on October 7th, at 10:00 am.

If people wish to donate to an organization in her name, Zoe recommended the Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood, or the Hinsdale Fire Department, who were so kind and helpful to her over these past two years; all of which can be made in care of DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 E. MAIN ST, DALTON, MA 01226.