Patricia Ann O’Reilly, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Oct. 21, 2014.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Phillip A. O’Reilly; children Martin Gordon (Anna), Phillip, Jr., (Kristen), Ann, Robert (Sophia), Regan (Teri); and nine grandchildren, Regan, Emmy, Sara, Matthew, Jackie, Jessica, Aidan, Shane, and Connor.
O’Reilly was born on Oct. 11, 1929, and grew up in Chicago, Ill.
She met her brother’s friend from college, Phil, the handsome captain of the Purdue football team, and they were married on June 28, 1952.
O’Reilly gave up teaching school to raise their family, and they moved seven times, each time building a new home and settling their five children. She had an eye for antiques, and passed her knowledge and passion to all her children.
Her two main passions were her family and her enduring faith. She was a devoted member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites of St. John of the Cross Community. She gently influenced those around her by her unending devotion to her Catholic faith. She never stopped praying for and believing in her beloved family, and was a source of strength to her care givers, family, and friends. Her glowing spirit, along with her beautiful and loving smile touched the lives of countless people.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5-7 p.m., at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetary in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 1, 2014.
