She was born Sept. 18, 1917 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the daughter of James and Ellen Monaghan Lewsley.
She was married to Michael O'Reilly, who died on July 12, 1989.
Prior to her marriage she was employed in the retail business in Belfast.
Annie and Michael spent their early years as childhood and family friends. Michael departed Belfast in 1929 to come to America with his family. Michael and Annie reunited in 1945 while Michael revisited Belfast while on leave during World War II. Their romance blossomed and after Michael's proposal they were married on April 10, 1946 in Belfast. In August of 1946 Annie joined Michael in America, settling in Providence, R.I., to begin their family and lives together. Annie's passions in life included her grandchildren, bingo, the UConn Huskies, and her beloved Boston Red Sox, who she got to see during their championship 2007 season in celebration of her 90th birthday.
She is survived by three sons, Joseph M. O'Reilly and his wife, Dianne, of Warwick, R.I., James G. O'Reilly and his wife, Mary, of Waterford, and Kevin J. O'Reilly and his wife, Laura, of New London; three daughters, Marian E. O'Reilly of Groton, Eileen M. Palmerone and her husband, Nicholas, of Pawcatuck, and Patricia A. Turitto and her husband, Thomas, of Groton; 14 grandchildren, Sean, Scott and Christopher O'Reilly, Kevin and Steven O'Reilly and Kristin Villanueva, Michael and Jason O'Reilly, Tara Outly, Patrick Palmerone, Erin and Matthew Myles and Heather and Tracey Wright; 14 great-grandchildren, Killian, Beckett, Rosalyn, June, Evan, Grace, Olivia, Emerson, Logan, Cooper and Kaitlyn, Nicholas Carrier, and Brittany and Lexi Snyder; beloved in-laws and their families, James and Barbara O'Reilly of Saugerties, N.Y., and Nicholas and Irene O'Reilly of Cumberland, R.I.; long time friends and neighbors, Dick and Dotti Schultz who made her sad times less sad and her happy times happier, and Julie Jones who Annie thought of as a fourth daughter.
She was predeceased by a son, Thomas F. O'Reilly, in 1991 and a sister, Molly McGoldrick, who lived in Belfast and died Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The funeral will begin at noon on Saturday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton and go in procession to a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5 to 8.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 06340.
Please visit www.Byles.com for obituary, directions or to send a note of condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cheryl Root
April 7, 2008
Dear Joe and Diane,
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I only met her once at Christmas, but she left a lasting impression on me. Please except my condolences.
May God be with you.
Love,
Cheryl Root
Bill,Samantha,Shannon and Billy O'Reilly
April 4, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. We know Auntie Ethna is with all our family in heaven watching the Red Sox or pulling the slot machine. Maybe even playing poker for pennies with Nana Lake!!!! love ya
Jim and Janet O'Reilly
April 4, 2008
Auntie Ethna will be so missed. She is now with Uncle Mike being comforted as we speak by our Lord. We love you Auntie Ethna.
Gloria Quinn
April 3, 2008
Dear Marion and O'Reilly family,I was sad to read about your moms passing.She was a very lucky lady to have such a loving family. I loved her story in the obituary (except for the red sox) I will remember you all in my prayers. love, GLORIA
Pete and Pat Kelly
April 3, 2008
Dear Joe and Dianne: Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Alice Shepherd
April 3, 2008
Marion,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I know how very dear your mom was to you.
Ed & Ronnie Schaeffer
April 3, 2008
Our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eve & Rit Manthous
April 3, 2008
Jim & Kevin
You have our deepest sympathies. May her memory be eternal.
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