Claire D. Reilly

Claire D. Reilly, 91, of Windsor, beloved wife of the late Brendan K. Reilly, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, to Joseph Otto and Helen (Siloski) Dietz, Claire grew up in New Jersey before settling in Connecticut.
Claire's first career was with NJ Bell, where she worked as a customer service representative before stepping away to raise her family. Many years later, she returned to school. She earned her associate's degree from Greater Hartford Community College, her BA in English and Education from Central Connecticut State University, and her master's in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. She frequently made the dean's list and graduated with honors all while raising three children.
Claire taught in both the Bloomfield and Windsor Public Schools before becoming Head Librarian at Sage Park Middle School, a role she embraced for more than 20 years. As a media specialist, she was part of the pioneering team that brought internet service to the Windsor Public Schools, helping usher in a new era of technology for students and teachers alike. She also delighted in leading the annual 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C., creating memorable experiences for countless students. During her career, she served as President of the Connecticut School Librarians Association and was an active member of the Connecticut Education Association.
For over 60 years, Claire was a devoted communicant of St. Gabriel's Church. She supported St. Gabriel School wholeheartedly as an active fundraiser and offered her time and energy whenever they were needed.
One of Claire's greatest joys was spending time at her home in Dennis, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. She cherished spending time at the beach, and the many summers she and Brendan spent hosting family and friends there. Outgoing, warm, and fun-loving, Claire found her happiest moments in the company of her children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends. She was the longest-serving living member of the Windsor Woman's Club, with more than 45 years of involvement, and a dedicated member of her Bridge Club for over 65 years. She also always enjoyed a good night out and was a long-time season ticket holder of the Goodspeed Opera House and the Hartford Stage Company, as well as enjoying shows at the Cape Playhouse and Cape Cod Melody Tent during her many summers on Cape Cod.
Claire leaves her daughter, Lisa Reilly of Charlottesville, VA; two sons, Brendan K. Reilly of Boulder, CO, and Joseph D. Reilly and his wife Sukanya of Windsor; her grandchildren-Alison Thomson, Caitlin, Helen, Fiona, Natalie, and Elizabeth Reilly; her sister Eleanor Ryan and her husband Leo; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Joanne Sweeney and Barbara Wyciskala.
Claire's family will receive friends on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5–8 PM at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor. Family and friends may gather at Carmon's on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Gabriel Church, 379 Broad Street, Windsor. Burial will follow in Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In honor of Claire's lifelong passion for children and reading, the family asks that donations, rather than flowers, be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com) (Hartford Affiliate, CT-Hartford) in her memory.
For directions or to share condolences, please visit the Carmon Funeral Home website (https://www.carmonfuneralhome.com).