Rosemary R O'Reilly

O’Reilly, Rosemary (Driscoll) of Cataumet, MA passed away on October 24th, 2022 at the age of 82 after a long illness. Rosemary was the loving wife of James F. O’Reilly for 54 years, the beloved daughter of the late William (Ret. Sgt. BPD) and Helen (Weymouth) Driscoll. Devoted sister of the late M. Clare Driscoll and the late Patricia Courtney. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Rosemary was a proud alumna of Jerimiah E. Burke High School, State College of Boston and Boston College. She taught English at Holbrook High School for 9 years and at Oliver Ames High School in Easton for 22 years. She loved teaching and had a positive impact on hundreds of students over the years. Until her recent illness, she still remained in contact with many of them. In 2021, Rosemary was honored by the town of Holbrook for her “demonstrated excellence, exemplary achievements and personal contribution to the success of the town of Holbrook, MA.” Due to her illness, Rosemary was unable to attend the ceremony which honored her but did submit a brief biography attached below;

“After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in education from State College of Boston in 1962, I began my teaching career in Holbrook High School. My first year was filled with establishing my reputation as a fair but strict professional, and directing two plays, which was a huge challenge! With a great deal of luck, my students and I survived my first year of teaching.

My years in Holbrook were eventful and fulfilling. Especially when I accepted the advisership to the class of 1967 from James O’Reilly, who had enlisted in the Marine Corps. The year proved to be challenging, but successful. The class honored me by dedicating its yearbook to me. Probably most importantly, Jim and I were married on August 10, 1968.

In addition to teaching and advising, I also was an active participant in negotiating the first teachers’ contract in Holbrook. This experience allowed me to meet and listen to all teachers in the system. I continued negotiating for teachers until I left Holbrook.

After two years, I returned to teaching in Easton at Oliver Ames High School, where I taught juniors for 22 years. I continued to advise students in publishing a yearbook and a literary magazine. I retired from teaching in 1995. After 31 years in education, I was free to travel and enjoy my leisure time. Jim and I have travelled extensively in Europe, Peru, taken several ocean and river cruises. Life is still good at 81!”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 8th from 4-7pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd. Bourne, MA. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday November 9th, 10 am at St. John’s of the Evangelist Parish, 841 Shore Road, Pocasset, MA. Burial will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Rosemary’s memory to friends Food Pantry; PO Box 144 Buzzards Bay, MA 02532.