Arlene F. O'Reilly

FORSYTH - Shortly after 12 noon, May 1, 2007, our mother and grandmother finished her journey and passed onto the Lord. Arlene O'Reilly was born Aug. 16, 1920, to Harold and Mary Francis Fox in Colburg, Mont., the oldest of seven children. She attended school in Babb, Winifred, and graduated from Roy High School in 1938.
On Oct. 8, 1940, she was united in marriage to Daniel Michael "Pat" O'Reilly in Lewistown.
In addition to being a homemaker and mother, she was a rural mail carrier and the clerk of the Roy school district. She then advanced her career and became the postmaster in Hilger. In 1983, she moved to Hysham, and was the postmaster there until her retirement in 1993. After retirement she moved to Forsyth, where she resided until her passing.
Arlene can be remembered by some for her participation in her children's activities, teaching Sunday school, being a 4-H leader and seamstress. As life continued, she followed her grandchildren to activities and meaningful events in their lives. She was so grateful to be with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren as she was with her own children. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Arlene was involved with the Catholic Church and was a member of the altar society.
She will be remembered by her family and friends for her belief in the power of prayer and her commitment to the holy rosary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; son, Douglas; two sisters, Juanita and Jean; two brothers, Harold and Tommy.
She is survived by her children, Ed (Pat) Brooks, Patti O'Reilly, both of Helena, Jim (Sharon) O'Reilly of Missoula, John O'Reilly of Roy, Arlene "Barbara" (John) McCracken of Colstrip, Mike O'Reilly of Dallas, Mary (Dick) Satterfield of Lewistown, Kathy (Bill) Pittman of Colstrip, Tim (Beth) O'Reilly of Tracy, Calif., Theresa (Gene) Desmarais of Forsyth; and 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; as well as her sisters, Virginia Melichar and Dorothy Sherman.
A vigil service will be held Friday, May 4, at 6 p.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lewistown. Mass of Resurrection will be held Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m., at the church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Lewistown. A luncheon will be served at Roy High School gym.