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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Katherine Reilly

Katherine “Kay” Reilly, a lifelong Wilmington, DE resident passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023, surrounded by her family at the age of 92. Kay was born in Wilmington DE to the late Esther and Lawrence Vandenbraak. Kay lived a full and beautiful life with her husband Francis X. Reilly with whom she shared 72 years of marriage and 70 years in the home he built for their family on the family farm that Kay was raised on. Kay was the youngest of 7 and was adored by her 6 older brothers Henry, Webby, James, Bill, Jerry, and Bayard, who all predeceased her; although she often said that she was born just so she could mop up after them. We are comforted knowing she’ll be reunited with her daughter Karen Nardi who predeceased her.

Kay’s family meant everything to her, and her fierce love and loyalty for her circle is legendary and will be felt forever. She is survived by her husband Francis, children Kevin (Paula McDermott), Patty Souffie (Bobby), Sean, Kerry Wendel (Bill), and Megan Gorelick (David). She was Mimi to 18 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren who all spent time feeling safe in Mimi’s “pocket.”

Kay was also 2nd Mother to most of her children’s friends, endearing her forever in their hearts.

A wonderful mother and friend, beautifully stylish and fun, Kay was also an entrepreneur, starting her own business Changeover Sales 40+ years ago. Kay’s knack in making her clients feel like friends instantly earned their trust and contributed to her lasting success.

Kay graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1948. She was a founding member of St. Mary Magdalen Church where she spent many hours volunteering.

Her quick and funny wit and her wise one-liners will be forever remembered and repeated by family and friends alike.

Our hearts are broken as we mourn her, yet full for the love she gave us which will endure forever in the legacy she created.

The Reilly family wishes to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Wilmington Hospital, especially those in Accent Hospice.

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Funeral Services

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, February 10, 2023, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 from 9:30AM-11:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Magdalen.

Condolences

    MaryBeth (Diksa) Shay lit a candle and writes,
    I was sad to hear of Mrs. Reilly’s passing … I will always remember my Mom and Mrs. Reilly on DelVet days … with fond good memories! To all the Reilly’s you had a very beautiful, kind, and thoughtful Mom, Grandmother, GreatGrandmother. Mr. Reilly: Im so very sorry you lost the Love of your Life. Take care, MaryBeth((Diksa) Shay
    02/05/2023 01:40 pm
    Rose Mattei writes,
    Mr. Reilly, Patty, Kevin, Kerry, Sean, Megan and the Reilly Family, I am sad to hear of Kay’s passing. She was one of a kind, genuine, and such a Great lady. She was so full of love and laughter. May she rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Love, thoughts and prayers to you all. Rose
    02/05/2023 04:57 pm
    Barbara W Neiger lit a candle and writes,
    Fran and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kay was the nicest, kindest, wonderful friend to all!!! I am so very sorry!
    02/05/2023 09:55 pm
    Gerard @ Nancy Samson writes,
    On behalf of the Samson family we send our condolences to the Reilly Family , Kay was a loving person. May she Rest in Peace🙏
    02/05/2023 10:36 pm
    Nettie C. Reilly and Family writes,
    Francis, Patty, Kevin, Kerry, Sean, Megan, and the entire Reilly Family, We are saddened to hear of Kay’s passing. We send our Love, Support, and Condolences. So many wonderful memories. She will be missed. Our family supports you in your time of grief. May Kay rest in peace.🙏
    02/06/2023 11:54 am
    PAUL DIKSA lit a candle and writes,
    My Heartfelt Condolences to the entire EXCEPTIONAL REILLY FAMILY, Paul
    02/06/2023 12:57 pm
    Jacqueline lit a candle and writes,
    Jim & I are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap His arms around all of you, & give you peace, to know she is out of pain & suffering. Will keep all of the family in our prayers.
    02/06/2023 02:44 pm
    Robert Northrop lit a candle and writes,
    Mr. Reilly, Kevin, Patty, Sean, Kerry, Megan and the Reilly Family, it is with great sadness and the fondest of memories hearing about Mrs. Reilly’s heavenly departure. Mrs. Reilly was the first neighbor I met when a 3 yr. old “Bobby” asked her if she had any kids my age. So began my Wonder Years with Mrs Reilly’s family. All these many decades later, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve reflected on how fortunate I was to grow up in and out of her home, morning, noon and night. I was blessed as a young boy and young man to know her, her family and her generation as was everyone who knew her God bless Mrs. Reilly, I’ll be sure to ask her if there are any kids my age when I show up at her new home. Thank you Mrs. & Mr. Reilly and the entire Reilly family, you’re in my thoughts always and especially in my prayers at this time.
    02/06/2023 10:26 pm
    Marty joyce writes,
    My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Reilly family during this time of sorrow. I am very sorry for your loss.
    02/07/2023 09:33 am
    Terry& Helen Diksa writes,
    To Mr Reilly. Kevin. Sean. Kerry. Megan. & Patty. Our thoughts and prayers go out for you. in this difficult time. Helen & Terry Diksa
    02/08/2023 09:16 pm
    Andrea Lapinski lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Mr. Reilly and all the Reilly family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your many happy memories lift you up at this difficult time.
    02/11/2023 10:54 am

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