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Reilly, Sheila Passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011. Age 84. Loving sister of William (Shirley) Reilly. Dear aunt of Kathleen (Richard) Reau, Peter (Lisa Donhan) Reilly, Marie (John) Lapatka and Brian (Lynn) Reilly. Also loved by many great nieces and nephews. Visitation at ALEXIAN VILLAGE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 9301 W. 76th Street, Sat., Dec. 3, 10:30AM-12 noon. Funeral Mass at 12 NOON. Private burial Resurrection Cemetery. Shelia was the head of the Dance Department at Marquette University for 35 years. Also the head of the Dance Department for Interlockhen National Music Camp for 26 years. Her dancers performed at the White House for President Kennedy in 1963 and she taught with her brother at The William Reilly Academy of Ballet. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be sent to the John Neumeier Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to education development and the presentation of dance. [email protected].
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I first met Shiela, when my mom went to work at M.U. Theater. She was always a great teacher & insperation to all her students. The best memory I have of Shiela is when she got my mom up on stage in a tutu to do a dance with other students at that time. She was the life of any party. She was a wonderful friend & teacher. I miss her, but she is up in heaven dancing up a storm with Joyce now.
Diane Karcher
December 26, 2011
I knew Sheila from when she moved to Alexian Village. She and my dad, Mike Cienian, were a couple for many years and participated in the annual variety show, Alexian Follies. We regarded her as a member of our family and we had many good times together. I'll miss her.
Catherine Graf
December 9, 2011
My condolences to the entire Reilly family. I was a student of Sheila's not only before but after my four years of study at Marquette. She was THE BEST in the business! I learned the basics and grew under her tenure. God Bless Sheila. She will be missed.
Joanie Bohmann
December 8, 2011
Richard and I would like to express our deepest regret upon the loss of your Aunt and Sister. Please extend our condolences to the entire family. Our daughters, Carolyn and Lauren have fond memories of the time spent in her classes.
Richard and Charlotte Koppel, Scottsdale, Az.
December 8, 2011
I was a ballet student of Miss Reilly for years at the William Reilly Academy of Ballet. Those are some of the best memories from when I was young. Thoughts and prayers sent to the family.
Kristin Bureta
December 8, 2011
Condolences to the Reilly family-- what a great loss to the world of dance! I had the pleasure of studying with the Reillys through high school and I will always remember her energy and enthusiasm, her true love of dance! I discuss teaching methods frequently in my work and she is always remembered on the "good" side! Bonnie (Wille) Weigert, M.D., Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UWSMPH, and Board Member, Performing Arts Medicine Association.
Bonnie Weigert
December 8, 2011
Bill, Shirley, and other family and friends of Sheila: I am so sorry for your loss. Sheila was such a fine teacher (and dancer, I hear!) and made such important contributions to the field of dance and in the lives of so many people. She was also a great lady. I hope you find comfort and peace. Sincerely, David Flores
David Flores
December 6, 2011
In the summer of 1971 my mother enrolled me in a ballet class, taught by Ms. Reilly, at Marquette University. I remember leaving that first class hooked on ballet. My love of dance has stayed with me since. Ms. Reilly was a wonderful teacher who gave generously of her knowledge and experience. She was so full of grace and patience. I also loved her matching leotards and skirts! 40+ years later I can still recall those days in her class and will always remember Ms. Reilly with admiration and respect. My condolences to the Reilly family on their loss.
Julianne Yopps
December 6, 2011
I was a ballet student of Sheila at Marquette University. She was an unforgettable teacher (even for this Math major, some over 30 years later). I never became a dancer, but Sheila inspired me to subscribe to the Milwaukee Ballet for many seasons.
My sympathies to her family.
Mary Boelk
December 6, 2011
I had the privilege of dancing for Sheila for my happiest childhood years. She and Bill kept me limber and humble, and they gave me the opportunity to do something beautiful in my life. I will cherish her memory!
Carri Dlouhy (Wajerski)
December 6, 2011
This lovely woman worked with me tirelessly in my 1st Grade Ballet class until I learned to skip... I am almost 42 years-old, and can still remember that day clearly; through the simplest of efforts, she managed to touch my life.
Catherine
December 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill, Shirley, Kathleen and Peter. Sheila influenced my life in so many ways. Her spirit will continue to live on fondly in all of her students. The work ethic, passion and enthusiam for not only her work but her life is something I have passed on to my students. I'm sorry I could not attend her services as my dance company was in performance. Sheila touched so many-God bless.
Debbie Merrill Berry
December 4, 2011
Dear Bill and Shirley,
The members of the Woman's Club of Wisconsin were so fortunate to have Sheila as the longtime exercise teacher. She taught us grace, flexibility and kept us up on the latest news in the dance world. My favorite part was learning a "dance routine" to Broadway music---especially "Chorus Line". And Sheila was not only a spectacular teacher but a good friend to many of us over many years.
December 3, 2011
Dear Bill and Shirley,
The members of the Woman's Club of Wisconsin were so fortunate to have Sheila as the longtime exercise teacher. She taught us grace, flexibility and kept us up on the latest news in the dance world. My favorite part was learning a "dance routine" to Broadway music---especially "Chorus Line". And Sheila was not only a spectacular teacher but a good friend to many of us over many years.
Kathy McElligott Geiger
December 3, 2011
Knowing Sheila and studying with her made a huge difference in my life. I will always remember her talent, her sense of humor, and her no-nonsense attitude. What a wonderful life she had-- what wonderful memories she's given all of us.
Terry Sarapo Humphrey
December 2, 2011
Sheila was such an integral part of the Theatre Department at Marquette. Even those of us who struggled in her classes knew we were being treated to someone great. God bless you, Sheila.
Carolyn Yank Gillespie
December 2, 2011
A great teacher and motivator and a great friend. She was one of the major influences in my life and career. I guess it is fitting that I will not be able to attend the funeral as I am performing in Calgary.Thoughts and prayers to bill and Shirley
Tim Koetting
December 2, 2011
Bill, Shirley, Kathleen, Richard, Peter, Lisa, Vincent and Adrienne,
I am sorry I can't be there with you on Saturday.
I want to send all of my Sincerest thoughts and prayers.
May God hold Shiela in the palm of His Hands.
Love,
Marlee
Marlee
December 1, 2011
To Bill and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sheila's ballet classes at Marquette are a very fond memory – I can still see the sparkle in her eyes. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Susan Poole
December 1, 2011
To the Reilly Family, The Angels sing and rejoice, now they will have to dance. I remember what a Wonderful and Graceful Lady she was and how passionate she was about her craft. Gods speed.
Wesley Therrian (Whitewater, WI)
wesley Therrian
November 30, 2011
Sheila taught exercise classes at Milwaukee Catholic Home for years. Everyone loved her classes and loved Sheila! What a lady! The Milwaukee Catholic Home has lost a dear friend. Our prayers go out to her family.
Anne Catalane
Director of Community Outreach
Milwaukee Catholic Home
Anne Catalane
November 30, 2011
To the family of Sheila Reilly,
I was a student when Sheila was teaching a ballet exercise class. She was a motivator and an excellent example to follow. Her spirit remains in my heart. My sincere condolences.
Karen Kramer
Karen Kramer
November 30, 2011
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