Obituary of Mary M. Reilly

GLENMONT – Mary M. Reilly, 85, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 3, 2014 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by her daughters. Born in Buffalo on April 17, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Katherine (McCarthy) McClellan. Mary was the first woman in her family to graduate from college receiving her degree in home economics. Using those skills, she began working for the NYS Cooperative Extension, doing an instructional "how-to" television program. It was through that program that she met her future husband of 23 years, Dr. Philip A. Reilly, after his mother saw her and decided they would be a wonderful match. Mary and Philip married and she began attending Columbia University shortly thereafter. She took a break from her education to start a family and, after their daughters were grown, resumed her schooling. Mary completed her master's in education at St. Rose and began work as a guidance counselor. After Philip's passing, she worked as a research scientist for the NYS Health Dept. until her retirement. All the while, Mary remained active in community and church activities and dedicated to her family. Mary leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Kathleen Reilly of Tucson, AZ and Carolyn Reilly of Arlington, MA, as well as a large Irish Catholic extended family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial mass at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 8th at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. The family will begin receiving visitors at the church at 9 am Tuesday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. The family encourages you to share a written memory or story of Mary, either online or in writing at her funeral.