Catherine (“Cáitlín Beag”) Teresa O'Reilly

Catherine Teresa O’Reilly (“Cáitlín Beag”), was born on January 15th, 1987 in Calgary AB, and passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 from an accidental drug overdose. Catherine was much loved and will forever be missed by her deeply grieving family; parents Brenda and Gerry O’Reilly, sisters Jane (Jon) Dowell and Christine (Albert Forbes) O’Reilly, and her brother Gerard (Stephanie) O’Reilly. Aunty Catherine will also be deeply missed by her five beloved nieces and nephews Kiera, Liam, Cashel, Desmond and Priya Caitlin, as well as her many relatives in Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and around the world. Catherine’s childhood was full of happy memories of camping, trips to Vancouver Island and Mexico. Ever since she was young she had a love of the arts and was very creative. This creativity came through in her poetry, “Cards by Catherine”, writing and love of music; she also enjoyed Irish dancing and soccer. Throughout her life Catherine had a passion for her Irish heritage. She dedicated time to learn the language at the Irish Cultural Society and also attended “Gaeltachtaí” (Irish speaking areas) in Connemara, Ireland and Ontario, Canada. She loved listening to Irish music at the Oaktree Tavern and on her many family holidays in Ireland. After graduating from Bishop Grandin in 2004, Catherine attended the Vancouver Film school and later trained in Yoga, Massage therapy, Hula hooping and Reiki. Throughout all of these endeavors, Catherine made many beautiful friendships. The family is so touched by all the people who loved and supported her over the years. Catherine faced a number of health challenges during her life. In addition to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 21, she also suffered from several concussions and later addiction; which ultimately took her life. In spite of these difficulties, she was always searching for ways to create meaning in her life and help others in any way she could. Whether you were in Catherine’s life for a reason, a season or a life time, please join us for her celebration of life. A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) Saturday, March 11., 2023 at 10:00 AM. The service will be lived streamed, please see Foster’s Garden Website for the link. The family would love for anyone who is able, to bring a written personal story or photos of Catherine so that they may cherish these special memories. “Is tú mo mhuirnín, anois, inniu, amárach is go deo, Cáitlín Beag” “You are my darling now, today, tomorrow and forever, our little Catherine” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wood’s Homes, an organization that helps provide treatment and support to children, youth and families with mental health needs. https://www.woodshomes.ca/how-you-can-help/other-ways-to-give/