Kathleen "Kathie" REILLY

REILLY, Kathleen "Kathie" August 26, 1949 - August 15, 2017 Kathie died peacefully at her home in Pacifica on August 15, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief struggle with cancer at the age of 67. Kathie was born to the late Joseph and Violet Reilly on August 26, 1949. She was a third generation San Franciscan raised in Noe Valley, as were her parents, and very proud of her roots. She attended St. Philip Grammar School and graduated from Notre Dame High School. Her first job was at Franchise Tax Board. Shortly thereafter, she became a Parking Control Officer for the San Francisco Police Department and worked in that capacity for ten years. Some of the most fun years of her life were working the streets of San Francisco, making many friends along the way, especially her life-long friendships with fellow meter maids. Kathie then graduated from the Police Academy and worked at San Francisco International Airport as a patrol officer. She later worked as the relief court liaison officer for ten years, her last month in the police force was as Acting Sergeant. She retired after 20 years of service. Kathie was an avid Giants fan and attended many a game, even making several trips to Scottsdale to watch them at Spring Training. Her other passions were working in her English garden, in which she took great pride showing friends. It was so beautiful, it was even put on the Pacifica Garden Tour. She loved taking her Morris Minor cars to local car shows in the Bay Area. Her love of music took her to numerous concerts over her lifetime, especially the Beatles, Elvis, Rolling Stones (and Unauthorized Rolling Stones), Danny Marona and Bill McCubbin. She also enjoyed pickle ball and loved playing Pedro. She ran six marathons both in San Francisco and New York. Her daring side won her dirt-bike competitions against men. She never passed up a zip line, but she never fulfilled her ultimate dream of flying on a trapeze. As much as she loved her City by the Bay, Sonoma held a special place in her heart. Her adolescence was filled with fond memories of summers spent at the family's cabin in Boyes Springs, especially the Annual Reilly Family Picnic. That was the reason she later bought a cottage in Sonoma. Kathie's biggest joy and accomplishment in life was the birth of her son, Dennis Sherry, in 1969. He brought her many years of happiness, including his marriage to Micelle, the birth of her two grandchildren, Joe and Katie. You could always find her at one of their sporting events, school functions or birthday parties. Kathie especially found joy each day with her feral cat, Scruffie and her English bulldog, Phyllis -- the other loves of her life. They rarely left her side, both very aware of her decline. Kathie was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Pacifica, where she set up mass routinely. She was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She also opened her home to friends for years at a time to live with her, hoping to diminish their hurt, until they got back on their feet. Kathie is survived by her son, Dennis Sherry (Michelle) and grandchildren Joe and Katie; her three sisters, Denise Reilly Ewings (Don deceased); Jerilyn Henderson (John); Patty Reilly Hanson (Gary); brother, William Reilly(Celina); nieces Kellie Ambrose and Reilly Hanson, nephew Dan Henderson and numerous cousins. She had a special place in her heart for each and every person she knew. She was very aware and thankful for the outpouring of love she received from her family, who cared for her during her two-month illness, along with her caregiver Rosa and Hospice. She felt the love and was comforted by all the cards, emails, phone and text messages, which she looked forward to receiving every day. Kathie's memory will never be forgotten, as she will live on in the goodness of the people she touched. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Mass on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 700 Oddstad Boulevard, Pacifica.