Elizabeth Ann Reilly

REILLY, ELIZABETH ANN (nee MACDONELL), passed away March 17, 2013 at her residence in Neptune Beach, FL. She was born in Jacksonville to Bob and Alice MacDonell, both deceased. She grew up on Jacksonville Beach and attended Fletcher High School and Brenau Academy in Gainesville, Georgia.

In 1950 she married Ed Reilly and together they had four children all whom survive them: Carrol Reilly, Bill Reilly (Frances), Michael Reilly (Suzanne), and Patrick Reilly (Mary). There are seven grandchildren: Bridgette Maycott (Scott),Catherine Rogers (Jamie), Richard Reilly (Courtney), Paul Reilly (Stephanie), Rob Reilly (Sarah), Catherine Reilly and Anna Reilly. Also surviving her are six great-grandchildren: MacKenzie Reilly, Cameron Rogers, Logan Rogers, Hunter Reilly, Kendal Reilly, and Aydan Reilly. There is a host of nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews who complete her family. Ann also leaves two sisters: E.J. Taylor (Rob) and Janet MacDonell (John Clancy). She was preceded in death by her sister Bobbie Sutton (Wimpy).

Ann was very proud of and deeply loved her Scottish heritage. In 1977, with close to 100 men and women, she was active in establishing the St. Andrews Society of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games. She stayed active in the SAS Society, served on the Board for six years, two as member, two as vice president and two as president. She also stayed active in the committee for the Scottish Games. In 1971 she received a full scholarship for a Nursing degree from Beaches Hospital. It was the first scholarship to be given by the hospital. Ann got her nursing license in 1973 and worked for Baptist Medical Center in the ICU and ER. She worked in the ICU for 13 years serving the last six as Head Nurse. In the late 1970’s with help from her peers (ICU nurses) and an ER physician, Ann put on a program that successfully certified nearly 100 police officers and correction officers in First Responder; Basic Life Support. The 1970’s is also the decade that she got involved with Right to Life. She worked diligently with them and when it became impossible for her to be with them physically, she became a prayer warrior.

In the 1980’s she joined the River City Two Steppers and Cloggers. She was part of the exhibition/competition dance team. They took many first place prizes throughout the southeastern states. In the mid 90’s after six great years with MSC Medical Service Company, establishing and supervising a nursing department, Ann retired from work and in 2006 retired her nursing license. Through all of the years, she was devoted to her family and was quick to tell you that her most cherished career was having the privilege of being a mother.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL Friday from 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Jacksonville Beach, Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Kelly presiding. Burial will follow in H. Warren Smith Cemetery. The family encourages Scottish colors and attire be worn. The pallbearers will be Ann’s sons Bill Reilly, Michael Reilly and Patrick Reilly and grandsons Richard Reilly, Paul Reilly, Rob Reilly, Jamie Rogers, and Scott Maycott. Honorary pallbearers are: Rick Arcusa and Gordon Canon, Dr. Richard Glock, Dr. Richard Stromberg, Dr. Charles Bender, and Dr. Marvin Wells.