JOANNE KENT O’CONNELL REILLY

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Joanne Kent O’Connell Reilly passed away on 18 January 2022.  Joanne was born in St. Louis, MO on 4 January 1937, to Helen and Joe O’Connell. She was glamorous, animated and funny.  She was stubborn, vivacious, generous and kind. She loved to laugh, to be with people, and had many friends.  She was forthright, never hesitating to share her opinion.  Joanne graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart, City House, in St. Louis, where she played varsity basketball and was class president.  She attended Maryville College. She taught elementary school in Dayton, OH and Normandy, MO and fitness exercise classes for more than thirty years.  Joanne served as a member of the board of St. Vincent Home for Children, Normandy, MO.  Joanne loved to travel in North America, Europe, and Asia.  She was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and her Irish heritage.  She was predeceased by her parents and one sister, Kathleen O’Connell Hamilton. Joanne is survived by her husband of 65 years, John F. Reilly, of St. Louis, and three children; Kathleen Becker (Howard) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mary Frances Daniel (John), of St. Louis; and Patrick Reilly (Madelyn) of St. Louis; eight grandchildren, Will, Evan, and Matthew Richards, Shannon Hollingsworth (Chris), Maureen, Margaret and Thomas Reilly, Joseph Daniel, two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Warren Hollingsworth; and one sister Susan O’Connell Krasniewski (John), of Charlotte, North Carolina; five nieces and nephews, Danny Hamilton (Susan), Holly Villa (Charlie), Andrew Hamilton; Mark Krasniewski (Yen), and Karen Krasniewski, and numerous cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent Home for Children, 7401 Florissant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121

SERVICES: 9:00 a.m.Visitation, 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass, Saturday, 22 January 2022 at St. Roch Catholic Church, 6052 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Services by Ambruster Chapel.