Obituary of Elizabeth J. O'Reilly

Elizabeth J. O’Reilly

(8/12/1952-10/13/2023)

Elizabeth (AKA “Beth”) O’Reilly entered into eternal peace on Friday October 13, 2023 following a long and progressive health battle.

Beth was born on August 12, 1952 in Troy, NY to the late Nicholas and Annabelle Watson O’Reilly. Beth was the fourth child of six. Prior to her passing, Beth resided with her sister Ellie O’Reilly in Troy, NY. Beth is survived by her sister Ellie, brother Patrick (Laura) O’Reilly in Troy, sister Jean (Rex) Sickles in Wynantskill, NY and brother Michael (Geralyn) O’Reilly in Troy, her partner Michael Valente (“V”) in Susan, Virginia where Beth had also resided. Beth is also survived by many nieces, nephews and treasured friends. She was predeceased by her big sister Bonnie and her nephew, Dustin Sickles.

Beth was a unique, loving, caring and kind being who loved music.  She packed many adventures into her life.  In the summer of 1969, at the age of 16, Beth and her best friend Ellen Boyle hitchhiked to Woodstock- telling her Mom that they were going camping.  Beth and Ellen celebrated 3 days of “Peace, Love and Music” and lots of MUD- something that will never happen again.

Beth was a teacher at the Rensselaer County Jail (RCJ), served as a hostess at the Barley Neck Restaurant on Cape Cod, sold “Beth’s Bumpers” at the Rensselaer Yacht Club, sold Christmas Trees and ran her own seafood business with partner Shamus Foley- “Foley O’Reilly Seafood.”  Beth moved to Virginia and taught at Mathews School District.  In May of 2001, Beth suffered a life changing car accident and then worked as a 1-1 assistant with a young man named Dylan in Virginia.

Beth was extraordinarily kind, loving, honest, sincere and smart.  She was a friend and lover of animals, especially horses and dogs. Beth was a loving Dog Mom to her four-legged companion, Tawny, and many Rottweiler’s, including Greta and Tank to name a few.

Relatives and friends are invited to Beth’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 12:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 N. Lake Ave, Troy, NY 12180.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands or Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga or any organization supporting animal welfare. 

Thank You, and also have some soft vanilla ice cream in honor of Beth’s indomitable spirit and smile.

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