Rita Dolores O’Reilly was born on March 30, 1943 and passed away on July 5, 2021. Born in Philadelphia to John and Marguerite Claxton. She was raised in New York City. Rita attended New York schools and graduated from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She taught school for many years in the Dallas school system.
Rita met her lifelong partner, Brian O’Reilly in her teens. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage! They raised their children, lived in multiple cities and traveled the world with both family and friends before retiring in the Dallas area.
She especially loved her annual trip to the Virgin Islands with her family. Rita was a kind warm and thoughtful lady, always ready with a smile and helping hand. An avid puzzler she worked on puzzles “every single day!” She was a good listener and the possessor of instant recall which made others feel special.
Rita was pre-deceased by daughter Dawn. She is survived by husband Brian, son Scott (Velma), grandsons Ryan (Tara) Pugh and Alec O’Reilly, and a host of family members and friends who will all miss her. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s memory to the American Cancer Foundation.
