Sister Eileen Reilly, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on January 8, 2022, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. She was 96 years old.
Born in Bronx, NY, on January 30, 1925, Eileen was the daughter of Patrick and Ann Carroll Reilly. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1943, and received the name Sister Ann Thomas. She professed her first vows in 1945 and final vows in 1950.
Sister Eileen earned a BA in English from Manhattan College in 1953; MA in Religious Studies from Providence College, Rhode Island in 1957; Certification in Religious Education, 1976, and in Spirituality, 1990, from the Archdiocese of New York.
Sister Eileen taught at the following schools: St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1945-1948); Cardinal McCloskey Home & School, White Plains, NY (1948-1953); St. Anthony School, Bronx, NY (1953-1961); Aquinas HS, Bronx, NY (1961-1967); and Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY (1967-1971). From 1971 until 1998, Sister Eileen served in religious education and pastoral ministry: Resurrection Parish, Rye, NY (1971-1977); Director of Religious Education, Sacred Heart Parish, Suffern, NY (1977-1978); Orange County Catechetical Office (1978-1984); Rockland and Westchester Catechetical Office Consultant (1984-1986) and Regional Director (1986-1991); DRE, St. Anthony Parish, Nanuet, NY (1991-1994); Pastoral Associate, St. Margaret of Antioch Parish, Pearl River, NY (1994-1998). From 1998 until 2002, Sister Eileen served as Administrative Assistant (1998-1999) and Finance Assistant (1998-2002) at Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY.
Sister Eileen is predeceased by her parents Patrick and Ann Carroll Reilly; her sisters, Sister Patricia Ann Reilly, OP, and Margaret Mathis, and her brothers Peterand Thomas. She is survived by loving nieces and nephews, friends, Dominican Sisters and Associates.
Sister Eileen Reilly touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry of education, in her pastoral work, and as religious education teacher and coordinator. Her commitment to the mission of the Dominican Sisters spanned 80 years as she proclaimed the word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Eileen Reilly. Rest in Peace!