I’ll always remember her cheerful voice, positive, interested, curious and expressive. The only time it wasn’t was after dear Uncle ( “cousin!”)Bill passed away when she tearfully admitted sadness and depression. It’s a sadness I now feel about her passing. I was looking forward to seeing her healed and smiling in a few weeks. Her baking was stupendous: she made the raisin squares (my favorites) for our gatherings at my mom’s house. Her house was always immaculate and the sweets she made were very tasty. I loved her inside gossip from the Fisherman’s fund and I marveled that she was in such a “back room” position of the city’s economic heart. She also liked to talk politics be it New Bedford or the US. We got along politically speaking. I knew her heart was in the right place. I write this from Greece. I missed Bill’s passing and funeral and now Aunt Pauline’s , but my memory of their week’s stay at my Florida home makes me smile. Bill’s singing and jokes, their amazement at my humble semi-tropical home, their joy at standing on the beach at sunset. It was wonderful. That beach and its restaurant were wiped away by Hurricane Ian last fall. All things must come to an end. My dear Aunt Pauline and Uncle Bill, two my favorite people, have completed their wonderful life journeys. I am very blessed to have known and loved them. 

Pauline was such a good friend to my Nana. I remember she used to take Nana and me out to brunch. She was a fearless and unflappable driver through the narrow streets of New Bedford. I will miss her!

I have always heard that Pauline was a generous and thoughtful person.  One story that stands out was the surprise bridal shower that Pauline hosted in her home in 1983 for my bride-to-be, Margaret-Mary McIntyre.  After much nudging, Margaret was talked into stopping at the Reilly home one Saturday afternoon.  She rang the doorbell, Pauline opened the door and a large crowd yelled "Surprise!".  It was truly a surprise and Margaret was shocked by the large turnout and wonderful gifts and food.  A great memory of Pauline's kindness and the importance of family.

So sorry for your loss, your mom was always a sweetheart.   Many memories of both your mom and your dad. 

Carol and family, I’m so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away.  She was a lovely lady.  I remember how close our mothers were when we were growing up.  I hope they have reunited in heaven and are chatting once again.  My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Jean (Reale) Gallant


Pauline and Bill were my godparents. Here she is enjoying a visit in 2018 with my son, Mac and son-in-law, Jerrison. 


Pauline was a wonderful baker, making a great cherry poundcake.  Also, she was quite a seamstress. I remember a yellow boucle suit from the early 1960’s – very Jackie Kennedy.  She was always smiling with a contagious giggle. Pauline had an enormous capacity for detail, she noticed and remembered everything. She was entirely devoted to Billy and her children: Carol, Jane, Pat, and Mike.


Excerpts from the eulogy for Bill Reilly, 4/05/2007
His beloved wife Pauline has asked me to say a few words about Bill. The most important thing in Bill’s life was his wife and family. He fell in love with Pauline the first time he saw her. He had never seen anyone who was so pretty and little and neat, like a little doll in a package in the store. Everything about Pauline made Bill happy and one of his favorite songs was Billy Joel’s “Don’t go changing just to please me, I love you just the way you are.” Bill wanted to create a perfect world for his perfect wife. Pauline told me that Bill spent the last couple years fixing and re-fixing everything about their home, making sure that everything was as perfect, “just in case.…”  But they would want us to laugh, so I will share a story with you.  With Pauline’s support, Bill was a strong and vigorous man whose life had no limits. When Bill wanted to try sailing, he built a boat in the backyard. Like Noah, Bill faced a few scoffers but constructed a seaworthy vessel and a trailer to get it to the water. Then Bill taught himself how to sail…. While lined up procession for the Blessing of the Boats, the outboard motor quit and could not be fixed. As time ticked on, all eyes turned to the captain’s brave wife, Pauline, who was trying to hide. Not easy in a small boat when hundreds of people are looking down at you! Pauline’s prayers were finally answered when a Coast Guard craft towed Bill’s boat past the Bishop for that badly needed blessing. Bill gave a dignified blessing to the crowd, saying “thank you very much, thank you very much.”  There are many stories about Bill and Pauline. It’s hard for us to think of a world without Bill and Pauline but Heaven is a better place for having them. Bill is busy building a wonderful home in heaven for Pauline. And when he is done, he will start on the boat.  Bill and Pauline, thank you for making our lives better. We will never forget you. 



Carol, Jane, Mike, Pat --- I hope you are  managing in your time of grief. Your mother was a wonderful woman, and I remember I could always look forward to a feast when I would visit your home as a child. Pauline will be missed, but she will live on in our hearts.

OBITUARY

Pauline Reilly

January 17, 1935 – June 13, 2023

Rock Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Funeral Mass

Burial