Mary Clare O'Reilly
1969 - 2015
Mary Clare O'Reilly
1969 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
Mary O'Reilly Obituary
She leaves behind her beloved and devoted husband of 21 years, Mark Gibson, and the four loves of her life- her four children: P.J., Danny, Luke, and Grace Gibson. She was the devoted and cherished daughter of Philip J. O'Reilly, Jr. and Judith Grosso O'Reilly (deceased), and treasured sister to Maureen and Elizabeth O'Reilly. She was a dear daughter-in-law to Ruth and Dick Gibson and sister-in-law to Cathy and John McNamara, Bridget and Paul (deceased) Gervais, and Dennis, Marcia, Dan and Jamie Gibson. She was the adored granddaughter to Mary Nolan O'Reilly, Philip J. O'Reilly, Sr., and Maurice and Marie Grosso. She was the beloved aunt to Caroline, Nick, Katie, Matt, Sarah, Annie, Jack, Maggie, Jake and Ellie and adored niece to Patricia Kirby (deceased) and Brendan, Brian, and Karen O'Reilly. She was a dear cousin and friend to many; too numerous to list.
Mary was a graduate of the University of Dayton, where she met her loving husband Mark and discovered her love of teaching. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Special Education. She dedicated her life to children- both her own and as a special education teacher. She served for 20 years in the Georgia public school system and spent the last 6 years at Varner Elementary school in Cobb County, Georgia. She also taught religious education at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic School in Kennesaw. She was recognized with numerous awards throughout her teaching career in recognition of her dedication and service. She leaves behind her adoring family, many devoted friends, and the immeasurable impact she had on all the children she taught and loved.
A celebration of her life will be held at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Parkway, NW, Kennesaw, GA, 30152, on June 3rd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and a mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, June 4th at St. Catherine of Siena, Roman Catholic Church, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, GA, 30144 at 10:30 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cathy Jackson
June 23, 2015
Dear Gibson family,
I knew Mary when she worked for Abney. She was the one person I relied upon day in and day out. We shared recess duties, with her taking one half and I the other during the year I was there. She was always my sounding board. Mary loved not only her students but all students. My prayers are with you all. Warmly, Cathy
zariah lear
June 3, 2015
Forever in our hearts
Teri Khan
June 3, 2015
Dear Mr. Gibson, PJ, Danny, Luke and Grace...
You are all in my daily Rosary. May our Mother Mary and our Father in Heaven give you all peace and guidance during this painful time in your lives and forever. Praying for the peaceful repose of Mary's soul.
Many Blessings,
Teri Khan
SCS
Libby Bell
June 2, 2015
To Mark, PJ, Danny, Luke, and Grace-Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. Your mother was truly a very special person and I know you will treasure your memories with her.
Every once in a while you get the honor of working with a natural born teacher. Mary was one of the most compassionate, loving, caring individuals I have ever known. Mary taught numerous students in Paulding County and Russom Elementary for many years. I can assure everyone, she touched each child in a very positive manner. She loved each student as if they were her own. She challenged and encouraged them to do more each day and they responded. She connected with her students as well as their parents and colleagues. She was a gift to the teaching community. She will be greatly missed.
Mary was not only a talented teacher but a wonderful friend. Although we had not seen each other in a while, I thought of her and her family often. She always celebrated successes and uplifted everyone around her. We are all better people and extremely fortunate to have had Mary in our lives. I will miss you so much but will always treasure the fond memories of our kids growing up, the celebrations we shared at birthdays, and most of all that beautiful smile. Mary-You have impacted us all and left a huge impression on everyone you met.
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Bob Davis
June 2, 2015
Mark & family - many of us at Coke know of Mary through stories of compassion & love for her children and students. I know you will gain strength each day as you remember her words and enjoyable times you had together. Know also that we are all here to help as well.
Steve Mitchamore
June 2, 2015
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mary, but I know Mark quite well through work. He spoke of her often in very loving terms, and I knew that their relationship and family were special and he and Mary shared a special bond. I know she is and will be greatly missed. Allison and I send our prayers to the O'Reilly and Gibson family at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Mary. May God bless you and those still with us.
Libby Wingo
June 1, 2015
For a few years at Varner Elementary School, Mary's classroom was across the hall from mine. I loved saying hello to her in the morning and seeing her cheery smile. She loved teaching and loved her kids! Varner's loss is Heaven's gain. Mary will be greatly missed.
Sally Vonier
June 1, 2015
"I only knew Mary for a year when she joined the county Special Needs Preschool team. She was such a positive person and it was a delight to get to know her this year. I know that she made a significant impact on the lives of the children in her classroom and they will carry her hand print on their hearts forever."
Debra Hughes
June 1, 2015
Mary you were a friend to all and I will miss that sweet smile and the happy way you always said Hi Deb. I will treasure our laughs and the fond memories we had teaching all the students adapted P.E. together. My life is certainly better because God saw fit to cross our paths.
Fondly, Deb Hughes
Michele Wing
June 1, 2015
Mary was the nicest person I've ever known. She is going to be missed so much. Mark and the kids are proud of the kind of person she was. I've worked with and been friends with Mary since our sons, Jacob and PJ, we're two years old. I will cherish the memories and times we spent together. I will miss her tremendously.
Laurie Mendenhall
June 1, 2015
Mary, you will be missed so much. You are in a wonderful place now where there is no pain..completely peaceful...we love you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Christie Nash
May 31, 2015
Mark, P.J., Danny, Luke, and Grace; I wanted each of you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. I worked with Mary at Varner. Mary was an extraordinary woman. She was always so gracious and helpful to everyone; one of those people who did so much for others and never expected anything in return. My fondest memories of her, was watching her pour so much energy, love, and care into every child that came across her path. I remember sitting in class and observing how she worked with the children and thinking, she has to be the greatest mother ever! The Bible reminds us that "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted." I pray that this will be especially true for each of you as you mourn your loss. I pray that God will give each of you the strength to see you through this sad and difficult time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all. In Sympathy & Love,
Karen O'Neal
May 31, 2015
I always enjoyed working with Mary,she was such a gift to all her students. She was the sweetest and one of the most patient people I have ever known. She will be greatly missed at Varner, but never forgotten. We will all be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob McAnnally
May 31, 2015
The measure of person's life is clearly reflected in the impact their love had on the people around them. For Mary, we may never know how many people's lives she touched, but the outpouring of love and sympathy during this difficult time is a beautiful testimony to the impact of a life well-lived in love, hope, and kindness to others. My heart reaches out to her entire family with prayers for comfort and peace--may God hold you close in His arms.
Lucy Wigart
May 31, 2015
My sincere condolences to Mary's family. I knew her at Varner. She was a very kind and special lady!
Lucy Wigart
May 31, 2015
My sincere condolences to Mary's family. I knew her at Varner. She was a very kind and special lady!
Jean Esposito
May 30, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Mary at St. Catherine's Preschool. She was a lovely and sweet person. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.
May 30, 2015
We are sorry to learn of your loss. We are keeping all of your family in our prayers. The Congemi family
Vicki West
May 30, 2015
I also worked with Mary at St. Catherine's Preschool and remember her as such a dedicated teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mark.
Karen Benham
May 30, 2015
I worked with Mary at St. Catherine's and had Danny and P.J. for preschool classes. I remember how excited she was to bring Luke home and her joy when talking about her children. Mary was a sweet and joyful person with a smile on her face for everyone. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. May God give you strength and comfort.
Chris D'Jamoos
May 30, 2015
Liz- I'm so sorry. My thought and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Barbara Frykman
May 30, 2015
I met Mary 20 years ago when I came to Abney Elementary. Knowing no one Mary made herself my friend . She was a young teacher but showed me what the love of teaching was all about. She was soft spoken, hard working, kind and loved all students. I remember how she would buy clothes for her students that had very little, so they could feel better about themselves. Mary you will be so missed. RIP sweet friend.
Myra Camese
May 30, 2015
Although I've only known Mary for a short time, she was the most kind, sincere and helpful person. She loved her job and her students. She will be greatly missed at Varner ES.
Elena Mercurio
May 29, 2015
I worked with Mary at Russom. She was a joy to work with.Prayers for her family.
Prisila
May 29, 2015
Prayers for the family .May god give them strength for this hard time..
Teresa Volkodav
May 29, 2015
I remember Mary fondly from Russom Elementary. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. My prayers are with her precious family.
Robin Glover
May 29, 2015
I worked with Mary at Varner. She came to my art room with her students. She loved each and every one of her students often talking with them, holding, them, encouraging them, and laughing with them. Her educational gifts were an inspiration to all. I will miss the twinkle in her eyes, her passion, and her endless smile.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they will be comforted.
Agnieszka Haley
May 29, 2015
Mary was my mentor during my first year of teaching. She was the most selfless, kind, honest, helpful and sincere person I've ever known. She gave all of her heart to her students at school. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to know Mary and to work with her. My condolences to her family.
kareema Fletcher
May 29, 2015
My heart goes out to Mrs. O'Reilly's family. She was my daughter Zariah's teacher. Mrs. O'Reilly was such an AMAZING teacher, she always went the extra mile to make sure my daughter was happy. I was so nervous about my baby being in.a different school, and she made our transition so easy. I received pictures and text after so many weeks all everyone in our house heard was Mrs. O'Reilly :-) It brings me great pleasure to know my daughter had the opportunity to have such a wonderful teacher who loved her and whom she loved in return.
She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Cindy Daily
May 29, 2015
Mary was one of the truly kindest people I have ever met. She was the most patient, compassionate, and understanding teachers I have had the pleasure to teach with. Heaven just gained an awesome angel!
Michelle Bamfield
May 29, 2015
Mary was truly an angel. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and those close to her. Her fight is over, and she is looking down smiling and free of pain. Thank you for being the person you were.
Felicia Snead
May 29, 2015
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of this WONDERFUL teacher and woman, who always allowed me to spend time with her Gifted group of kids at Varner Elementary whenever I visit. I will miss your smile, but your light will always shine at Varner Elementary because of the Love you shared with everyone. Praying for peace and healing for the Family. Matthew 5:4
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2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152
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