The world, her community, her many good friends and the Reilly family lost Maureen K. Reilly to complications from Multiple Sclerosis on December 30, 2018. She died peacefully in her home in Eltingville, Staten Island with her devoted husband Kenneth Reilly at her side and her two children Shannon Reilly and Sean Reilly.
Born Maureen K. Burns in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 19, 1945 to Mary and John Burns, she moved to and was raised in Union New Jersey, where she went on to graduate from Union High School. She loved her little brother, John Burns, tremendously, and was his guardian and his angel for many years after John and Mary Burns passed on. Kenny and Maureen married on September 4, 1965 and celebrated 50 years of the most exemplary love and devotion on September 4th, 2015.
A graduate of the College of Staten Island, Maureen earned a degree in accounting, with academic honors. She went on to work at Snug Harbor and to volunteer as the treasurer for World of Women on Staten Island. She also worked for over 25 years as a travel agent and planned many a wonderful, memorable trip, for clients, friends and family.
Maureen will be remembered as selfless and considerate. She never forgot a birthday or holiday card and her close friends will tell you that she was the first to call or show up in tough times and ready with a smile and a party in times to celebrate. She was a devoted mother and particularly loved her role as a doting grandmother; her three grandchildren all treasured their time with Nana. She found joy in traveling, good food and wine, trips to Atlantic City with Kenny and with friends, among other things. She was beautiful, and she was kind.
Maureen is survived by her husband of 53 years, FDNY retiree Lt. Kenneth John Reilly; her daughter, Shannon Reilly and her husband Paul; her son, FDNY Firefighter Sean Kenneth Reilly and his wife Raquel; and her three loved and loving grandchildren, Aodhan Reilly DiPalma, Kenneth Peter Reilly and Aoife Mary DiPalma. A wake will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 3 to 7pm at Colonial Funeral Home on Staten Island. A Mass will be held on Saturday January 5th at 10AM @ Our Lady Star of the Sea on Staten Island. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
