Shirley Ann Reilly, 78, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2018. Shirley was born on May 13, 1940 in Natick and was raised in Jamaica Plain, as the daughter of the late Austin and Lillian (Green) Hughes. She attended Blessed Sacrament and later worked as an executive secretary for Sam Ward Manufacturing Company, and in multiple roles for Gamewell Corp.
A few years after marrying Joseph M. Reilly (deceased in 2012), they began their many years in Medway together. Shirley was a homemaker who loved to cook, sew and take care of her three children Patricia Reilly Donahue and her husband James of Virginia Beach, Joseph M. Jr. and his wife Barbara of Silver Lake N.H., and Karen Reilly Shartle and her husband Herb of Virginia Beach.
Shirley enjoyed gardening and volunteering at the senior center in Medway, until she moved to Virginia Beach, to reside with Karen and Herb Shartle. She is survived by her children, and grandchildren - Shannon Donahue, Kathleen Donahue, Emma Shartle and Bryce Shartle. She is also survived by her brother Charlie Hughes, and was a sister to the late Marilyn Smith and late Audrey Johnson. She was always fond of her nieces, nephews and their families including Maureen Williams, Siobhan Moynihan, Neil Moynihan, David Smith, John, Nancy (deceased), Edward and David Johnson.
Shirley’s family and friends will forever remember her kind, generous nature and giving personality. Despite all of her hardships, she never complained and always put others first. Her life lessons in living and learning through example have made those who knew her better humans. Truly, one of a kind who will be forever loved and missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral from the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) on Friday, July 27, at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village St. in Medway at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Medway Senior Center, 76 Oakland St., Medway, MA 02053.