Elenor Reilly
Elenor Reilly of Hamburg, NJ passed away on July 13, 2022 in Morristown, NJ at 71. She was born in Jersey City on April 2, 1951. Daughter of the late Margaret “Peggie” and Francis “Frank” Reilly, she was the baby sister of James Reilly (wife Mercy), Rosemary Siegel, Frank “Ace” Reilly (deceased), Margaret Reilly (deceased), and Elizabeth Keller. She was the beloved aunt of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great aunt of niece and nephews. Elenor remained best friends with her high school friends Therese Hooper Thompson, Arlene Hughes Gorney, and Helene Domacki Gorney (deceased). She was loved by everyone who met her.
Elenor carried a down-to-earth grace with an affable sense of humor and generosity. A doting, affectionate daughter, she enjoyed spending time with her mother for meals and on trips, and cared for her mother in the final years. Elenor loved spending time with her niece Maureen and great nieces Bridgid and Maggie. She was in the delivery room when her godchild and niece Patricia “Patty” Laux gave birth to her twins.
Ms. Reilly had a sharp sense of humor with a wit for puns. She enjoyed her red wine and pizza. Elenor was the Community Health Outreach Coordinator for the Sussex County Health Department. She loved this work, and her joy was infectious.
Elenor generously gave of her talent and treasure in works of Mercy in a multitude of ways. She was a volunteer for many organizations, including Project Self Sufficiency for 14 years. She volunteered for the Salvation Army to ring bells at Christmas time. She was a lector at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville, and our Lady of Fatima Church, Vernon. With a close relationship with the Blessed Mother, she would travel with St. Jude Church, Our Lady Queen of Peace, and other groups on pilgrimages around the world.
Ms. Reilly volunteered in many ways at the Sanctuary of Mary and Our Lady Queen of Peace. At the Sanctuary of Mary, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, she made sure that there was a fresh red rose at the Tabernacle. The red rose is a symbol of the followers of Jesus Christ, to which she was a true follower.
Elenor held a childlike wonder in her Roman Catholic faith. As a devout Catholic, she took seriously her role of Godmother in the catechumenate. She led by example and was an extraordinary woman of Catholic faith and integrity. She lovingly prepared and joyfully witnessed her godchild and niece Arsenia Reilly-Collins for the three initiation sacraments. With a reverence for Divine Mercy, she is now in peace and joy in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 20 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church #209 Rt. 206 S. Branchville, NJ 07826 from 9 AM with the Funeral Mass beginning at 10 AM. Entombment will follow in the St. Joseph’s RC Cemetery in Newton, NJ. Arrangements and online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic in Maryknoll, NY or to Catholic Charities in Franklin, NJ, or please share your time with your Catholic parish.
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I met Eleanor when we were docents for PSS; we were instant friends! Her infectious smile, laugh, and love of people, drew me to her and we enjoyed so many years of volunteering together. The Season of Hope Toy Shop would not be complete with out Eleanor dressed up with a hug for every single person. Even those who said no, would come out from shopping and then ask for that hug. What a wonderful angel heaven has gained and I know that she has met my mother and all of my family and continues to draw those to her with that wonderful smile! I will miss her dearly and am truly honored to have known her and have her as a friend.
Fly high my friend!
Love, Cheryl
I met Elenor during the summer of 1968 while working in Kearny Shop Rite. She will be misses.
I spent many wonderful moments with Elenor during high school in my early college years. In fact, as I recall, now, my friendship, with her extended to my years working in France, we were both very interested in the church, and had much in common. I lost contact with her much to my regret. I just happened to think of her and looked her up on the Internet and saw that she had passed away. Eleanor was a good friend, a fine individual, and a person of warmth and integrity. She accepted everyone no matter what age, race, religion, or calling. I am sure she is happy now with the Blessed mother and Jesus , may she rest in peace Clifford J Brooks
Elenor was a bright shining light: a funny, warm, loving soul. It was a joy to have her touch my life.