Carmel Anne O'Reilly

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mom, Carmel O’Reilly of Mobile, on October 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed peacefully away at the age of 71, surrounded by her loving family and in her most favourite place - at home. She was a deeply loved mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to so many.

Mom was pre-deceased by her husband/dad, Stephen O’Reilly (1991); parents, John and Jose, brothers, Joe, Adrian and Johnny Whelan; parents-in-law, Gussie and Emily O’Reilly; brothers-in-law, Fergus (Carmel) and Barry (Shirley) O'Reilly, Terry Williams and Joey Carey; nephews, Stephen Williams and Curtis Whelan.

Mom was the heart and soul of her family and leaves to mourn with broken hearts, her loving daughter, Wendy O’Rielly (Chris Walsh); son, Michael O’Rielly (Adelle Ruby) and grandchildren whom she adored, Connor (Kelly), Jack, Maria, Kate and Emily. Mom was the oldest of 14 children and will be fondly remembered and forever missed by her sisters: Mary Carew (Don), Arlene Croft, Brenda Yard (Thomas), Anne Marie Carey, Rhonda Trainor (Doug), Colleen Alleyne (Fred) and sisters-in-law Bonnie Whelan, Joyce Mund, Shirley Williams, Sharon Tobin (Dave) and Alice O’Rielly-Tobin (Matt). Brothers: Gerard (Betty Anne), Kevin (Wanda), Michael (Patricia) and Dermot. Lifelong friends Marlie Molloy and Nora Aylward, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

After completing high school, Mom began her career with the telephone company, where she worked for 31 years. Later, she continued her professional journey at Memorial University for several years until her retirement. Throughout these years, Carmel formed lasting friendships with colleagues who came to cherish her warmth, loyalty, and humor. Her presence was a source of positivity and strength in every role she took on.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff who assisted mom, and our family navigate the past few months. Especially Dr. Rorke, Dr. Melissa Angel, Community Health Nurse, Nicole Power-Sharpe, our family who stayed with mom in her final days and also, Father Pat Kennedy, for his comfort and prayers to our family during this difficult time.

Mom was a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and boundless love. After losing her husband at such a young age, she faced life’s challenges head-on, raising her two children, Wendy and Michael, with unwavering dedication and fierce independence. Her strength evident in every aspect of her life, from the way she nurtured her children and grandchildren to the deep bonds she maintained with her brothers, sisters and friends.

A proud and loving grandmother, Moms grandchildren were the light of her life. She found immense joy in attending their sports games, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. Mom cherished these moments. Her presence on the sidelines was a testament to her love and support for her family.

In her community, Mom was an active and cherished member, participating in the Tors Cove Dart League and the Bauline to Bay Bulls 50+ Club. She was admired for her determination, kindness and zest for life. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Our family invites you to visit and celebrate mom's life at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls, on Tuesday, November 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul R.C. Church, Bay Bulls, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with an inurnment to follow at Our Lady of the Cape R.C. Cemetery, Cape Broyle, with a reception to follow at Cape Broyle Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carmel O'Reilly's memory may be made to Our Lady of the Cape RC Cemetery (email for e-transfer: [email protected]), Cape Broyle Hall Reception Group (email for e-transfer: [email protected]) or to a charity of one’s choice.

A mother holds her children's hands for a while, but their hearts forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carmel Anne O'Reilly, please visit our floral store.