Dorothy M. Reilly

07/08/2001

Dorothy M. Reilly, 87, formerly of 31 Sherrill Ave., died Sunday evening at Springside of Pittsfield. Born in Lawrence on Feb. 7, 1914, daughter of Martin F. and Ellen Burke Dowd, she came to Pittsfield at the age of 14 and attended local schools. She was valedictorian of the 1931 graduating class at St. Joseph's High School and received her bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Elms College, now The Elms College, in Chicopee in 1935. Mrs. Reilly taught Americanization classes to immigrants and later was employed by GE for a short time. She first taught at the former Briggs School in 1956. After being certified as a reading specialist, she taught at the former Pontoosuc and Russell schools, retiring in 1975. She was a communicant of St. Charles' Church, and enjoyed writing and reading poetry. She also enjoyed baking for her family and friends, and tutoring children. Her husband, William J. Reilly Sr., whom she married July 17, 1939, at St. Charles' Church, died Jan. 13, 1968. She leaves a daughter, Mary Ellen Reilly of Wakefield, R.I.; two sons, Michael J. Reilly of Hamden, Conn., and former Pittsfield Mayor Edward M. Reilly of Pittsfield; a sister, Mary L. Halligan of Atlantic City, N.J.; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, William J. Reilly Jr., who died Sept. 14, 1953. Calling hours at DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME will be Tuesday from 4 to 7. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9:15 from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Charles' Church celebrated by the Rev. Peter A. Gregory, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to The Elms College in care of the funeral home.

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