Reilly, Rosemarie

Rosemarie Reilly, 87, formerly of Cobleskill, N.Y., recently of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on March 25, 2014 at Kroontje Health Care Center. Born in New Rochelle, N.Y. on February 20, 1927, she was the daughter of Margaret and Vincent Gleason. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Reilly and sister, Francis Gleason Gerdes.

Rosemarie loved her work at Cobleskill Hospital and St Peters Hospital in Albany, N.Y. She was always fascinated by her responsibilities in the surgery department. Upon her retirement, she moved to Christiansburg to be near her son, Mike. Rosemarie enthusiastically became a part of the community by joining the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, and volunteering at the Christmas Store and at the Community Health Center of the New River Valley (formerly known as the Free Clinic).

Rosemarie is survived by her sons, Jack Reilly, Jr. and wife, Gayle of Cordova, Alaska, Mike Reilly and wife, Jennie of Riner, Va.; and daughter, Kathy Nelson of Forks, Wash. She has six grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Kroontje, Showalter Assisted Living Center, and Medi Home Health & Hospice. The nurses and staff certainly sweetened Rosemarie’s life.

Being very private, Rosemarie did not desire a funeral. A celebration of life will be held with friends and family at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Health Center of the New River Valley, 215 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 (540-381-0820).