"I'm from Denison IA. I attended the first two years of Church Ministries Classes at Manson (every Saturday) with Bea. She was one of my greatest joys of being there! I'm a couple of decades younger (with ONLY 7 children!), but we took keenly to each other. She was a devoted Catholic with an infectious, clever, true sense of humor, non-judgmental, optimistic, and ever faithful. If Bea is not with the Lord, we have no hope. Your circumstance was not easy, but you had the best mother there could ever have been. I send my sympathy and assure you, I loved her, too. Thank you for the pictures, the video, and all the beautiful words."
In loving memory of
Bernadette F. Reilly
July 8, 1922 - January 24, 2012
A celebration of life for Bernadette Reilly will be 10:30 AM Saturday, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Algona. Her family will greet friends from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona. There will be a Scripture Prayer Service and Rosary beginning at 7 PM.
Bernadette Florence Reilly, 89, formerly of Algona, IA, died January 24, 2012 in Calvert County, Maryland with family by her side. She had been admitted to Calvert County Hospital on December 28th, and later transferred to Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, where she was treated for heart-related illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Henry Reilly, who died in Algona, IA, in 1970.
Mrs. Reilly is survived by her 17 children; Mary and Roger Flann of Pasadena, CA; Edward and Elaine Reilly of Sunderland, MD; Michael and Lisa Reilly of Dunkirk, MD; Eileen Warshaw of Tucson, AZ; Sharon and Bruce Loeschen of Austin, MN, Kathleen Rossell of Duvall, WA, Chris and Marilyn Reilly of Idaho Falls, ID, Mark and Peg Reilly of San Diego, CA, Matt and Felicia Reilly of St. Paul, MN, Bernadette and Jim Fisher of Elk River, MN, Therese Reilly and John Hostvedt of Langley, WA, Angela and John Burgess of Long Beach, CA, Shaun Reilly of Cedar Rapids, IA, Maureen and Ron Cobas of Pomona, CA, Michele Hall of Arlington, VA, Shannon and Alex Reilly of Topeka, KS, Patty and Chris Davis of Cedar Falls, IA. She is also survived by 38 Grandchildren and 25 Great-Grandchildren.
Bernadette was born Bernadette Florence Zook on July 8, 1922, in El Cajon, CA, to parents J.T. and Mary Zook. She had one older sibling, Mary Zook Dolci, who died in the 1983. Bernadette attended Our Lady of Peace School in San Diego, CA, graduating in 1939. At the outset of World War II, Bernadette worked for Bell Telephone in San Diego and was among the very first Americans to hear the tragic news of the bombing Pearl Harbor as emergency calls flooded the switchboards.
Bernadette met Louis Reilly at a United Service Organization (USO) event and married him in 1943. When they met, Lou was a Marine stationed at San Diego's Camp Elliot. Three years later in 1946, they moved to Louis's home town of Lone Rock, IA, where they tended the Reilly family farm.
After the birth of their tenth child, the Reilly's moved to 115 W. Nebraska St. in Algona where Louis worked as a farming representative and life insurance agent while Bernadette worked as a bookkeeper. The family grew to 17 children by 1966. After her husband's death, Bernadette raised the youngest 10 children on her own.
Bernadette was a member of the Jesus of the Good Shepard Catholic Church of Owings, MD, where she participated in the Red Hat Society, the Widows Group and the Tuesday Morning Prayer Group. While in Algona, she was active member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona, IA. She was a past regent of the Catholic Daughters of America. Every one of her 17 children graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School of Algona.
She was our Mother, our friend our strength. The Reilly clan wishes to thank everyone that helped to make her last days an inspiration to all. She will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of the generations that follow her.
Tributes
"Chris & Family: My sympathy to all of you on the passing of your beloved mother. I have many fond memories of her upbeat attitude and kindness. I have not seen you in many, many years, Chris, but remember our years of playing sports in the small lots of Algona. Randy Studer"
"To my grade school friend, Mike, and the rest of the Reilly Clan, You have my Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Mother and Family Rock. At least once a year I tell friends about sleeping over at Mike's farm home and the "wonders" of farm life. I also recall, as a grocery carry out boy in Algona, a lady asking me, "Are you one of the little Reilly boys?" because of my (then) red hair. Your Mom never seemed to sit still. What great memories you must have. God Bless her! Kenton "Kent" Immerfall"
"After school, I would some times go to the Reilly home with Michelle. I always felt a crazy/calm feeling when I was there. Now as I look back, it was caused by a fun and very loving family with a very strong, loving mother. I think that Boris was the calm part. Thanks for the memories!! A shout out to Michelle. Thinking of you girl! My condolences to the whole family. Janet (Kirsch) Berte - class of 1980"
"Angela and family,
We couldn't be there today, but you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mom was really a remarkable person.
Mike and Sheila (Ludwig) Skilling"
"Angela and family, You have our sympathy. Your mother was such a wonderful lady. Ann Metzger and Brad Bennett"
"WHAT A GRACIOUS LADY!!! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. IT WAS NICE TO SEE YOUR FAMILY IN THE PICTURES. I HAD A COUPLE OF YOU IN SCHOOL. TIME DOES GO BY QUICKLY. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM, LARK RICKLEFS"
"my sympathies to you children on the loss of Bea. I have fond memories of playing in your yard and also ours and playing many a rousing MONOPOLY game on "snow days" from school with several of you. I mostly played with the boys as they were closest to my age.My brother Joe Sires and I played many sports with Chris, Mark and Matt. Such good times. From a dear neighbor. "
"She taught me many things and gave me many gifts. My favorite gift is my family - they are the best. She taught me humility- "don't take yourself so seriously" - and love. Most of all I'm grateful that she taught me how to laugh and enjoy life. Family and laughter will see us through. Thanks mom, so much. - Lucky #13"
"Mark and Family, You have our prayers and sympathy at this time. What an amazing accomplishment your mother acheived in her lifetime with the responsibilities she had. It was apparent that her faith must have been a big part of her life! Pete McGuire (Class of '71) "
"To the Reilly Family You're in out thoughts, our hearts, and prayers; Jim has many fond memories of working with your mother at the court house. She was a grand lady. Jim and Rhonda St. John"
"To the Reilly family, I wanted to extend my sympathies on the passing of your mother. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Your Algona neighbor."
"Dear Therese and family, I remember your mother so fondly. She was a heroine to many Algona moms of the 50's and 60's and I found her constant attention to her family amazing. Her legacy touched all of us at St. Cecelia's. My condolences to you, my class mate, and to all your family. Your mom will be in the prayers at Immaculate Heart High School in Tucson this month."
"I am so sorry for the loss of your very dear mom. Although I didn't know her well I do remember when she worked at the court house. Her children were so special to her/ She was so kind and generous with her time to help someone with a problem. I think of her every time I pass the lot that your home stood in Algona when I am out for a walk and how fitting that there are now childrens playground equipment there with slides, swings etc. You can almost hear the children laughing, having fun on those grounds if you let your imagination soar. May God Bless you all. "
"Hello Mary, Was checking the obits for someone else when I saw that your mother had passed. Think I only met her a couple of times but she had to be a remarkable woman seeing the wonderful tributes to her. You have my sincere sympathy. We have been trying to contact you re: our 50th without success. If you are interested, please email me. Again, I am sorry for your loss."
"I have countless wonderful memories of you dear Bernadette. Your many words of wisdom, your great love for your husband and each of your beautiful children and your strong faith. You were always an inspiration to me and a delight to be around. May you rest in peace. "
"Maureen, so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She was a very strong woman and raised a great family. I'm sure she felt blessed as she watched you all grow, have families and careers. So much love surrounded her. Stay well."
"To those I love and those who love me When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn?t tie yourself to me with tears Be thankful for our beautiful years I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown But now it?s time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It?s only for a time that we must part So bless the memories in your heart. I won?t be far away, for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can?t see or touch me, I?ll be near And if you listen with you heart, you?ll hear All my love around you, soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone I?ll greet you with a smile And say ?welcome home? Author unknown "
"Sue, Jean, and Julie: Thank you for the kind notes. I owe many thanks to my wonderful mom, but none so much as the way she approached the end of her life. Of all the extraordinary things that mom did, in my mind this was the most extraordinary. She led us up to the very last. -- Angela #12 PS: Faye, I have such fond memories of your mom and dad. Of all the family photos, I think we only have one of Ethel. How did that happen? Anyway I remember them so vividly and fondly. They were extremely patient with us!"
"Riley family, I have many happy memories of Bea and your family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. You were truly blessed with a wondrful mother and the gates of heaven opened and she walked throuth those gates and greeted everyone there with that beautiful smile. Our prayers to you all. Lance and Royann (Nichols) Rutledge"
"I am number eleven, the sixth daughter, Therese. Smack dab in the middle of the tribe. I have memories of mother losing me in that crowd. Once on a weekend visit back from college Mom was so shocked to see me. Her surprised expression, ??Therese, when did you get here?? came on Saturday evening. Yet I??d actually arrived home the day before and we??d even been shopping together that Saturday morning! I remember at times her looking straight at me, seeking my attention, shouting ??Beth!, ah.. Sharon. no ah Maureen, err, Michele!? And finally in exasperation, just pointing at me saying, ??YOU!? I remember her sitting down to dinner at that huge table built for fourteen, and just before we??d say grace, she would ask, ??Who??s not here?? There were a lot of us to tend to. Getting lost in all that wasn??t much of a surprise. Personal attention might have sometimes been sparse, but it was always there when it was needed the most. When I came home from kindergarden, in tears from the kids making fun of my freckles, she was there with a hug. She took time amid the family chaos to be there with a healing hand when I got so sick at the age of eight. She knew that I loved to draw. I never lacked for paper and pencils or art books or trips to museums. She knew us all that way. Look at the professions we??ve grown into. Such an eclectic, unique, and filled-with-life collection of brothers and sisters. She gave strength to our voices. We??ve all blossomed and we have her to thank. She was a busy, forgetful, funny, and phenomenal lady. I feel so lucky to have called her mom. "
"My sincere sympathy to all the Reilly family. Many wonderful memories and what a wonderful Mother you had....she was so good to my parents as were all of you kids. "
"ANGELA, My sympathy to you and your family! Your mom was a very special lady! Keep the memories alive! Jean Detrick"
"Angela and Theresa my sympathy to you and your family on your mother's passing. What an amazing family and life you have all had. I still remember that blue house in the block next to the grocery store and the grocery carts that would be pushed to your house stocking up. Your family was so organized. I believe you also had the "buddy" system and each older one was in charge of a younger one - smart. Also remember your mom and Johnson's Flowers and she always had a big smile. My prayers are with you. [I'm at home in the SF Bay Area, so will miss the service.]"
"Bernadette was our neighbor (we live on S. Thorington). When my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer, Bernadette came to visit us. She held me and told me about her husband who had also died from cancer. I also remember her from St. Cecelia CDA. I hated to see her move. She had a huge heart and a great sense of humor. She will be missed."
" The greatest treasure that mom gave me was her name Bernadette I'm number 10 and always wondered why she waited until number ten arrived to pass her name on . The second was my middle name Grace which was her Aunt . Mom told me I would be a nurse ,I didn't believe her ,but indeed I have been a nurse for 30 hrs at the U of Minn Hosp. Aunt Grace was a nurse also , so I guess mom knew best ! I'm very blessed that I was able to be with my mom and help direct her care to her wishes and assist in finding a beautiful Hospice home in the country . Love You Mom and you are at peace Bernadette Grace Agnes Reilly Fisher "
"Angela, My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Mom. Sue Illg"
"Maureen, I didn't know your mom all that well but I remember her always being involved with her children whenever time permitted. I always admired how she raised such a large family with such a strong faith! God bless her and the rest of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Sara Geelan kollasch"
"Your Mom was an Amazing Grand Lady and will be truly missed! We have many memories of your Mom and our Mom together ! I'm sure they will be sharing stories again ! God Bless Bea and your Family's Bob & Sue (Berger) Sabin "
"Our family at the Algona centennial. Mom made all of our outfits!"
"I always loved visiting my Grandma B every summer. Spending time with her was such a wonderful thing for me. Going through the library and looking through so many fabulous books. They have been and will always be wonderful memories of my childhood. She will be in my heart forever! Love from the first grandchild!!!!!"
"Mom, The greatest gift you ever gave us was each other. I love you. Maureen Reilly Cobas"
"I am the 17th child, the "baby" of the family. Mom always called me her "caboose". Whenever we were in the car together and we were waiting for a train to cross the road I would watch for the caboose. When it went by I would say "that's me isn't it Mom?" and she would say, "that's right, you're my caboose". I loved being the youngest. I looked forward to holidays and summers when the older kids would come home and would be sad if someone couldn't come home for Christmas or when they started working and didn't come home for summer anymore. But then I got to spend more time with Mom. My junior and senior year of high school it was just Mom and I at home. We would go out to dinner, just the two of us and talk. Those memories are very special to me. She was a sweet, funny and respectful person. She always gave her honest opinion when asked and I repected her for it. I will miss her deeply but I am happy Mom and Dad can be together again. Patricia Louise Bernadette Reilly Davis "
"I was the 15th child, the 9th daughter and in many ways, Mom's favorite. I can say that because my Mom made all of us feel like we were her favorite. I had to follow in some pretty big footsteps. I do admit hating being compared to Therese, Angela, or Maureen-- the sisters closest in age to me (poor Patty was compared to me!) but I would not change a day of my childhood. We may not have had much, but we alway had food to eat and stories to tell. Laughter, not tears, was the mainstay of my childhood. And as I held my mom's hand on one of the last days of her life, she bemond the fact that they weren't "working right any more" and I thought of the days, months, years, decades those hands cared, for not only me or my siblings, but for anyone she met, I comforted her and told her, "your workdays are done, it is time to rest". She gripped my hand and smiled. The torch is past...I proudly pick it up and I hope I can give love to a faction of the people that you have touched. I will love you forever. Not just a mother but mentor and friend. Love, Michele Marie Martha Reilly Hall"
"Back in the early 50's the family lived just SW of Lone Rock when I was but in grade school. I still live in the same section now as I did then. Good memories come back from so long ago. Wish the family the best. God Bless! Gone but never forgotten, Darrel Schmidt"
"Just loved Bernadette; She gave me one of my best friends for many years in Shannon. He's still my best friend at heart. Life just changes. My condolences to the entire family. I loved her and will miss knowing she's not there to set me straight like she did so many times. You are ALL in my prayers. So very sorry for your loss and yet so very grateful for having gotten to know her and the entire family. "
"1/25/'12 Bernadette was a fine example of a "Mom" who loved her family very much and cared about their well being. She raised her children along with her husband Louis and together they all were kind, caring and special in their own way. I went to school with Shaun Reilly and I knew Angela Reilly Burgess. She was a year ahead of me at St.Cecelias Catholic School-now Seton School. Her smile was a delight and always brightened the room and it shined like the sun and sparkled like the stars. May Her Soul Rest In peace and May Gods Heavely Home welcome her with Open Arms. My thoughts and prayers to her family and extended relatives and many friends. Go Rest High On That Mountain Bernadette and Gods Peace Be With You Always. Sincere Sympathy and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota-formerly of Algona, Iowa."