Marie Victoria Reilly

Marie Victoria Reilly, 89, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

Born February 2,1937 in Philadelphia, PA, she was a cherished daughter of Edward Joseph Kelly and Victoria Jalicke Kelly. As part of a large family with ten kids she grew up quickly and was “Philly tough”. She beat up a boy who was picking on one of her little brothers one day, and then a little while later danced on “American Bandstand”. A graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School in Northeast Philadelphia she became an administrative assistant for one of GlaxoSmithKline’s’ Vice Presidents upon graduation.

At GSK she met and married the love of her life, John (Jack) J Reilly. Married in 1957 they together built a life on faith, family and love. They were blessed with six children, John (Jack), Denis, Thom, Corinne, Eileen, and Sean. Our family was further enriched when Mom and Dad opened their home to two young Vietnamese refugees, Nguyen and Kim Nhan. Dinners and family time were always filled with life - loud, fun, arguments, debates, and boisterous with a lot of humor and laughter.

Marie immersed herself in raising her children until they reached high school age. She, and dad, were always “present” in their children’s’, and later grandchildren’s’ lives. This included baseball, basketball, swimming, cheerleading, Brownies, team mom for various events, wrestling, dance, etc. To say that she was our biggest “champion” and cheerleader would be an understatement. Everyone knew her as a powerhouse supporter and advocate, and most of the time, gravitated to her. She expected excellence and was the first to defend ‘hers’ if she thought an ump or ref happened to make a mistake in judgement. Mom and Dad sacrificed so that each child could get the best education in private Catholic College Preps in Houston and Memphis.

For 15 years Marie was also the assistant to the world’s largest franchise owner of McDonalds restaurants. When she retired it took three hires to replace her. She valued her work (and the paycheck) yet nothing ever compared to the JOY she found at home with the people she loved most.

She especially adored her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She treasured every opportunity to watch them grow and celebrate each milestone in their lives. Becoming a great-grandmother brought her immeasurable happiness, and her family remained the center of her world until she passed.

Marie also enjoyed dancing, loved to travel, listen to music (I am Woman – Helen Reddy, We are Family – Sister Sledge) and read. Whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering from the sidelines, or simply sharing time together, Marie found her greatest JOY in being with family.

She will be remembered for her unconditional love, kindness, a welcoming, warm smile and spirit, sharing wisdom gained, a delightful sense of humor, being understanding and a supportive wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose presence made everyone feel at home. Her fierce yet gentle heart, generous spirit, and steadfast love created memories that her family will treasure and carry with them forever.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John J. Reilly; her parents, Edward Kelly and Victoria Kelly; her brothers Edward Kelly, Daniel Kelly, Walter Staniszewski, Harry Staniszewski, Joseph Staniszewski and sisters Teresa Ciabbatone and Jean Mullock. She is survived by her sister Patricia Kelly and brother Michael Kelly.

Also, John Reilly Jr and wife, Monica; Denis Reilly and wife, Brenda; Thom Reilly and husband, Jim Moore; Corinne Wells and husband, Colley; Eileen Reilly; Sean Reilly and partner, Greg Crawford (deceased); Nguyen Nhan (deceased); Kim Nhan and wife, Jo; grandchildren John J Reilly III and wife, Whitney; Matthew Reilly and wife, Rachel; Meghan Trowbridge and husband, Luke; Justin Reilly and wife, Reena; Lauren Reilly, Jonathon Reilly; John Reilly Wells; Charles Tate Wells; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Reilly; John Reilly IV; Kelly Reilly; George Reilly; Emelia Reilly; Jude Reilly; Charles Trowbridge; Oliver Trowbridge along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort and JOY in knowing Marie’s greatest gift was the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished beyond measure, and she forever will be loved, remembered and deeply missed.

On Monday, August 31st at 9:30 a.m. a Rosary service followed by Mass at 10 a.m. will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 87 Lacy St, Marrietta, GA (770.422.5633) followed by a reception on premises. Marie will be reunited with her husband at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN at a time to be determined soon.

So many of you have lovingly reached out asking how to show your respect for Marie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Erin's Hope for Friends (erinshopeforfriends.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of teens and adults on the autism spectrum through meaningful friendships, social connections, and community activities.