Lorraine T. (Feeney) Reilly, 88, of Canton died on October 22, 2016, at her daughter's home in Weymouth, after suffering a stroke in early September. She was born in Boston in 1927, fourth daughter of the late Mary (Curran) Feeney and Joseph Feeney, and grew up in Saint Vincent's Parish. Lorraine graduated from South Boston High School. She followed in the footsteps of her eldest sister Geraldine, and worked for the telephone company as a telephone operator which gave her the foundation for a life-long career as a receptionist.
Lorraine met the love of her life, Robert M. Reilly, in 1951, as a church volunteer for African missionaries. They were married in 1953 and lovingly raised a family of five girls and one boy. Formerly, of Milton, they made their home on Elm Drive in Canton after all their children graduated from high school. She had a beautiful speaking voice and a warm and kind demeanor that people admired. In 1980, while working in Dorchester at Recording and Statistical, the owner of a prestigious graphic design firm on Newbury Street, took notice and offered her a job. She accepted, and was employed by Gunn Associates until she "retired" in 1989. Lorraine's love of family was shown throughout her long life and her large extended family. Bob and Lorraine were both from families of seven siblings and loved sharing their home for backyard bbqs and holiday gatherings. Even though Lorraine did not like to fly - Bob's business travel took her to Paris and Guatamala, among other places. When one daughter took a teaching job in South Dakota in 1978 - travel continued - including last September to her grandson's wedding in Sioux Falls, SD. She adored and was adored by her many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in-law, and friends. Known as 'WW" (Wonder Woman) to some and "Mother Theresa", and "sweet Lorraine" to others...she never had a cross word or negative thing to say about anyone...and always looking on the bright side of life... Predeceased by her husband, Bob, suddenly at age 63, she continued to show her faith in God and strong spirit and her love of life and family. She joined the "widows group" in Norwood, and met many new friends. She was a volunteer for Meals on wheels, the Catholic Womens Club, a member of the Choir and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Gerard Majella Church and she took writing classes at the library. She had a love of old movies, reading, history - local theatre productions
Planning "mystery rides" and sleepovers with her grandchildren, and sending birthday cards to everyone in the family, She had a strong faith in God, and many prayers for those in need.
She was preceded in death by siblings Geraldine Wigley, Joseph Jr, John (Jack), JeanneMarie Dombkowski, and survived by Irene “Bunny ‘ Messina and Edna Quigg. Eldest daughter Patricia M. Smith passed away in 2000 after a courageous battle with cancer. Surviving children are Anne Heinert and husband Gary of Parmelee, South Dakota, Stephen Martin Gerard and wife Patti of MIlton,Dr. Kathy Reilly of Keene, NH, JeanneMarie Finnerty and her husband William of Charlestown, and Lisa Reilly and William Bomar of Weymouth. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Wednesday 4-8 pm. Funeral mass at St. Gerard Majella Church Canton Thursday morning at 10. Burial Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to “Our Neighbors in Need” c/o St. Gerard Majella Church 1860 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021.