Obituary of Irene E. Reilly

Irene E Reilly, 86, of Berlin CT died November 10, 2015 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut after a long illness with COPD. Irene was born in Union City, NJ raised in Weehawken NJ and married William E. Reilly in 1950. Months later, Irene and her newly wed husband moved to the land of "milk and honey" - North Canaan, CT to start their family. They created long lasting relationships with Nick and Honey, Tony and Carm, John and Charlotte, Toni and Joe, and many more. During their many years in Canaan, they raised three children and were active in St. Joseph's Church and the community. Irene worked at North Canaan Elementary School for 25 years as an aide in the Special Education program helping many children manage their challenges which gave her great pride. Later in life, Bill and Irene loved to spend their winters in Venice, FL enjoying time at the beach and especially the warm weather. After her husband passed in 2005, Irene moved to Berlin CT to be closer to her children. She was blessed by great friendships and helped by so many at Stonebridge Way for which her family is very appreciative. While in Berlin, she especially enjoyed her friendship with Pat Stapleton, the mother in law of her youngest son, who was always shared a good time and brought a smile to Irene. Eventually Irene moved to Arbor Rose in New Britain which provided her the comforts and security of home. Irene enjoyed sewing and picture puzzles and always reached out to her friends and family no matter the distance or the time since last together. She was the middle of three children, who lost their parents to illness while in their teens. They were adopted by Jack and Frances Lowry of Weehawken, NJ who provided for their well-being and loved them as their own. Many years later, Irene cared for Frances for several years after she suffered a major stroke. And often said she found that experience very gratifying. Surviving Irene are her two remaining children, Patricia I. Reilly of Farmington and Brian P Reilly and his wife Anne of Berlin along with their children Matthew R. Reilly and his wife Katie of West Hartford and Michael J. Reilly of Manhattan, NY. Irene was predeceased by her oldest son, William J. Reilly of Waterbury in 1985 and her brother Charles Will and sister Dorothy McGonnell. Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Church in Newington, CT on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11:30 am. Visitation will be held Saturday at Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, CT from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. Donations made be made to Friends of Berlin VNA, Attn: Dori 240 Kensington Road, Berlin CT 06037.