Mary Reilly

Mary J. Reilly, age 79, of Wautoma, passed away Tuesday evening, March 16, 2021 at her home. She was born January 20, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Henry and Ruby (Waite) Lannoye. She married Charles “Chuck” E. Reilly on November 5, 1960 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wautoma.

Mary was a graduate of Wautoma High School. After working as a nursing assistant and industrial stitcher, she became employed with the Wautoma Area School District where she worked her way up to the position of Food Service Supervisor. She was instrumental in initiating the school breakfast program and the summer migrant meal program. She will always be remembered for her concern over her staff and their future. Mary also assisted her husband in the operation of Waushara Charter Service on Lake Michigan for many years. Mary was active with the Youth and Family Outreach and Tideview Estates sewing groups making garments for missionaries. She served on the Wautoma Historical Board and especially enjoyed creating historical exhibits that were displayed in the Genealogical Research Center at the Wautoma Public Library. Her Waushara Country Schoolhouse display will be permanently added to the WCHS Guernsey Dale School Museum on Valley View Drive. She belonged to St. Joseph Catholic Church and organized many Annual Christmas Boutique luncheon meals. She was well known for Mary’s Scones, which she made and donated to St Joseph’s Christmas Boutique and Wautoma Public Library bake sales.

Mary loved boating, fishing, and being on or near the water. She cherished time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter and especially enjoyed fishing, boating, crafting, school events, and tea parties. She and her husband loved to travel and they spent the winters at their home in Ellenton, Florida.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years, Charles “Chuck” E. Reilly, Wautoma; two daughters, Wendy (Kenneth) Appel, Wautoma, Lisa (Davide) Spadoni, Madison; two grandchildren, J.C. (Ashley) Appel and Matthew Spadoni; one great granddaughter, Aubrielle Appel and her brother who is expected in July; one brother-in-law, Harvey (Dolores) Reilly, Wautoma; three sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Reilly, Plover, Janice Reilly, Wautoma, Jane Reilly, Waupun. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, James R. Reilly, Richard J. Reilly, Wayne A. Reilly, and by infant, Thomas Reilly; one sister-in-law, Betty Reilly.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, private family funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Wautoma. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established by the family in Mary’s memory.