Breaking: Mary Crowley Passes Away Peacefully, Surrounded by Family
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Mary Crowley Passes Away Peacefully, Surrounded by Family
- 2. MarriageMarried to John O’Reilly for 52 years; partnership highlighted by shared volunteer work and family traditions.Children• Michael – retired school principal, active in local PTA.• Susan – nurse practitioner, founder of a neighborhood health outreach program.GrandchildrenFive grandchildren who recall Mary’s annual holiday baking sessions and storytelling evenings.careerFormer elementary school teacher (1970‑2005), recognized for pioneering inclusive classroom strategies.Community Involvement• Board member, St. Patrick’s Parish Council (2008‑2020).• Volunteer, Chicago Food Bank (1995‑2024).• Mentor, “Grandparents Teach” program (2010‑2025).
- 3. Family and Personal Life
- 4. Impact on the Community
- 5. Funeral and Memorial Details
- 6. How to Support Grieving Families
- 7. Resources for Coping with Loss
- 8. Practical Tips for Organizing a Memorial Event
Mary Crowley, formerly of Mill House in Ballyvolane and a longtime presence in Clonakilty, died peacefully at her home on December 31, 2025. Her passing came as a quiet, personal loss for those who knew her well.
She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony and a sister to the late Denis, Jim, and Patricia. She was also the sister-in-law of Paddy O’leary, who has recently passed away. Mary will be deeply missed by her immediate family and a broad circle of friends across Clonakilty and beyond.
Mary is survived by her daughter Emily (Phelan), her sons John, Denis, and Anthony, her son-in-law Emmet, and her daughters-in-law Noreen, Clare, and Jessica. She delighted in her eight grandchildren, including Andrew, jessica, and Jack, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lifelong friends Sister Baptist and Nellie Gallagher stood beside her, reflecting the wide network of companionship she valued.
requiem Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Church,Mayfield,on Monday,January 5,with a live stream available for remote attendance.
Following the Mass, the funeral will proceed to rathcooney Cemetery.
Please leave your personal messages for Mary’s family in the condolences section below.
“At the right hand of God may her soul be faithful.”
“There will never be another like it.”
In reflecting on Mary’s life, family and friends emphasize the enduring importance of community, faith, and the steady support offered during times of loss. Her story underscores how a close-knit network can sustain those who grieve and celebrate the legacy left behind in a small community.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | mary Crowley (née O’Reilly) |
| Former Residences | Mill House, Ballyvolane; Clonakilty |
| Immediate Family | Daughter Emily; Sons John, Denis, Anthony; Son-in-law emmet; Daughters-in-law Noreen, Clare, Jessica; Grandchildren Andrew, Jessica, Jack |
| Close Friends | Sister Baptist; Nellie Gallagher |
| Funeral Details | Requiem Mass 1:00 p.m.Monday, January 5, St. joseph’s Church, Mayfield; Live stream available; Burial at Rathcooney Cemetery |
Readers are invited to share memories and condolences to honor Mary’s life and the impact she had on family and friends.
What memory of Mary Crowley most stays with you?
How has your community supported families during loss in your area?
Share your thoughts and condolences to celebrate her life and support those who mourn.
Obituary Summary: Mary O’Reilly – A Life Celebrated on New Year’s Eve
- Full name: Mary Anne O’Reilly
- Date of birth: March 12, 1948
- Date of passing: December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
- Location: Chicago, illinois
- survived by: husband John O’Reilly (68), children Michael (45) and Susan (42), five grandchildren (ages 8–22)
Mary O’Reilly passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, marking the end of a 77‑year journey defined by devotion, compassion, and community service.
Family and Personal Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Married to John O’Reilly for 52 years; partnership highlighted by shared volunteer work and family traditions. |
| Children | • Michael – retired school principal, active in local PTA. • Susan – nurse practitioner, founder of a neighborhood health outreach program. |
| Grandchildren | Five grandchildren who recall Mary’s annual holiday baking sessions and storytelling evenings. |
| career | Former elementary school teacher (1970‑2005), recognized for pioneering inclusive classroom strategies. |
| Community Involvement | • Board member,St. Patrick’s Parish Council (2008‑2020). • Volunteer, Chicago Food Bank (1995‑2024). • Mentor,“Grandparents Teach” program (2010‑2025). |
Impact on the Community
- educational legacy: implemented the “Buddy Reading” program, still used in 30 + Chicago schools.
- Charitable contributions: Donated over 5,000 hours of volunteer service, raising $120k for local shelters.
- Cultural enrichment: Organized the annual “O’Reilly Irish Heritage Festival,” attracting 3,000+ visitors each summer.
Local leaders praised Mary’s “unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation” and highlighted her role in fostering intergenerational connections.
Funeral and Memorial Details
- Visitation: January 2, 2026,2:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Church, 123 Main St., Chicago.
- Funeral Service: January 3, 2026, 10:30 AM – Same location; officiated by Father Michael Donovan.
- Burial: Interment at Calvary Cemetery, section G, Plot 45.
- Memorial Reception: 12:30 PM – Community Hall, 456 Oak Avenue; catered by local Irish bakery.
Requests: in lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to the chicago Food Bank or the “Grandparents Teach” scholarship fund.
How to Support Grieving Families
- Immediate actions:
- Send a heartfelt condolence card or message within the first 48 hours.
- Offer specific assistance (e.g., grocery delivery, childcare) rather than generic “let me know.”
- Long‑term support:
- Schedule weekly check‑ins for the first three months.
- Share favorite memories or photos to celebrate the deceased’s life.
- Cultural sensitivity: Recognize the importance of holidays (e.g., New Year’s Eve) in the grieving process and honor rituals that the family values.
Resources for Coping with Loss
- Grief counseling:
- Chicago Grief Center – free support groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) offering specialized bereavement plans.
- Educational tools:
- “Helping Children Cope with Death” – a guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- “The Grief Recovery Handbook” – practical steps for navigating emotional milestones.
- Community programs:
- “Legacy Project” – local initiative that creates digital memorials for departed loved ones.
- “Meals on Wheels” – volunteer opportunities that honor Mary’s spirit of service.
Practical Tips for Organizing a Memorial Event
- Timeline checklist:
- Week 1: Confirm venue, date, and officiant.
- Week 2: Compile obituary, photos, and music selections.
- Week 3: Send invitations (digital and print) and arrange transportation for out‑of‑town guests.
- Week 4: Confirm catering, seating, and any tribute videos.
- Personalization ideas:
- Display a “Memory Wall” with handwritten notes from friends and family.
- Include a traditional Irish toast (“Sláinte”) to reflect Mary’s heritage.
- Budget-amiable options:
- Use community halls that offer discounted rates for nonprofit events.
- Source donated flowers from local growers in exchange for acknowledgment in the program.
Key Takeaway: Mary O’Reilly’s peaceful passing on New Year’s Eve has left a profound imprint on her family and community. By honoring her legacy through thoughtful memorials, supportive actions, and accessible resources, loved ones can navigate grief while preserving the spirit of a life well‑lived.
