Heather J. Reilly

In Loving Memory Heather Jean MacDonald February 13, 1979 – September 26, 2020 Heather Jean (MacDonald) Reilly, age 41, of Lakeville, MA passed away after a six year battle with metastatic breast cancer on Saturday, September 26, 2020. She passed peacefully at home with family by her side. Heather was born in Rockland, MA and raised in Hanson, MA. She lived in Rockland MA and Carver MA for many years before moving recently to Lakeville last October with her Son Sean. Heather had a Bachelor's degree from Simmons College and worked for South Shore Hospital as a Registered Nurse for 19 years; 12 of which were in the Critical Care Unit. Heather is Survived by two Sons', John Reilly, age 21, of Blackstone VA and Sean Reilly, age 13 of Lakeville, MA., her Parents Debra Cookson and her Husband Kevin Cookson of Hanson, MA, whom she considered her Dad since he raised her since she was a young child, her Father Garfield William MacDonald and his Wife Theresa MacDonald of Rockland, MA, her Maternal Grandmother Gloria Lourenco and life-long partner John (Judd) Levangie whom she considered her Grandfather since birth of Interlachen, FL, her Brothers/Step Brothers, who she considered all her Brothers, Stephen Cookson of Hanson, MA, Jordan Cookson of Foxboro MA, Troy MacDonald of Olney, MD, Stephen MacDonald of Abington, MA, Kevin MacDonald of Whitman, MA and her Sister/Step Sister, who she considered her Sister, Kristine MacDonald. She is also survived by many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends and last but not least, many Predeceased family members who always remained in her heart. Heather was a devoted mother to her two sons and the reason she did everything. She worked in a profession she loved as a critical care nurse taking care of others right up until the past few months due to COVID, and was an exercise enthusiast where she made many lasting friendships along the way. Heather enjoyed the simple things in life most like spending time with family and friends, going to movies especially with her Mom and Sean, attending concerts with friends, girls night out of course, going out for appetizers and drinks with her besties from work after a long 12 hour shift, her hot pink wig, mani/pedi's were her treat to herself, lifting up other women hence the #TEAMGORGEOUS, the changing of the seasons, Halloween, all the Holidays especially Christmas and Thanksgiving and her Mom's "yummy" food. Despite battling an incurable cancer, she did so with the most amazing amount of positivity, grace, dignity, integrity and courage. She wanted to set an example, especially for her two boys, that no matter what life throws at you never ever give up and she never did. In any struggle in life she would tell you there is always hope. The ripples of Heather's journey in life are still seen today: in her two sons who she loved with all her heart and was most proud of, in every nurse she mentored and every patient who was cared for during her career, in every person she inspired during her battle with cancer, and in all her family and treasured friends who she loved with all her heart, and will live in her honor. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her and especially missed by her two boys John & Sean. Funeral and burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery, 92 Centre Ave., Rockland MA on Friday, October 2 at 11am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours on Thursday, October 1 from 5 - 8 pm at Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St., Rockland MA. For messages and directions, see Magoun-Biggins.com. Heather's Facebook page will remain open and all are welcome to post memories, pictures and videos or final words to her there. Memorial donations may be made to a Go Fund Page that will be set up shortly entitled "Heather Reilly Memorial" for her Son Sean.