Marguerite O'Reilly (born Murphy) died peacefully, after a brief illness, Sunday, April 27, 2003 in Smithers, B.C. She was 87. She was born in Butte, Montana to parents, Emmett and Mary (born Confrey) Murphy.
Marguerite married John Joseph "Jack" O'Reilly, also of Butte, on July 4, 1936. They moved to Tacoma, Washington several years later when Jack took work in the wartime shipyards. After the war, they decided to stay in Tacoma and raised their family there, staying for over 50 years. They enjoyed hunting pheasant and fishing together in the Tacoma area, as well as they had in Montana when they were younger.
Family was the centre of Marguerite's life. She was a very frugal woman, but was extremely generous when it came to her family and friends. She always loved to cook for everyone, especially a turkey dinner. Nature was also a great source of joy to her. She loved to see wildlife of all kinds and was an avid bird watcher. She enjoyed having dogs and cats as pets over the years, some of which she took in as strays. She also loved gardening and was always planting things in her yard, whether it was flowers or vegetables.
Marguerite was predeceased by her parents and husband Jack (April, 1989), along with many of her dear friends. She is mourned by her children Mary Kathryn "Kay" (Harald) Jordan of Telkwa, John Robert "Bob" O'Reilly of Tacoma, grandchildren Andrea Jordan (David) Forman of Chicago, Annette Jordan of Vancouver, Michael Jordan of Telkwa, Jadd (Brittany) O'Reilly, great-grandchild Damien O'Reilly of Tacoma, sister Gertrude Franke of Los Angeles, many nieces, nephews and friends. She will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank many friends and neighbours, the caring staff of the Bulkley Valley District Hospital and the Bulkley Lodge, and is especially grateful for the wonderful care given to Marguerite by Dr. Barbara KotzŽ, who lovingly and tirelessly assisted her and the family until the very end.