Anne M. Reilly

Anne Reilly of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019. The Rosary will be prayed on Thursday, December 26th at 4:30pm at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 East 36th Terrace, Independence, Missouri 64052 followed by visitation from 5:00-8:00pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at the church on Friday, December 27th at 10:00am followed by internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Anne’s memory be made to Nativity of Mary Catholic Church.

Anne was the only daughter of Paul and Kathryn (McManus) Weishar, born on May 22, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri. She attended Cardinal Glennon High School, class of 1952. In 1954, she married Donald Reilly of Independence, Missouri, where they raised seven children together.

Anne was a parishioner of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church for 60 years, where she was a member of the Altar Society and the Little Parish Discussion Club. Anne worked for 17 years as a merchandiser for American Greetings. She then went on to work as an administrative assistant at RJ Enna and Associates, retiring after 13 years. She was respected by her colleagues and friends for her warmth and boundless energy.

Mom believed strongly in the plan God had for her. Everything in her life revolved around her recent reflection, “I love my God, my family, and music—in that order.” With regard to Mom’s faith, her every action was an act of prayer. Prayer was her gift and what made her our place of comfort. She is remembered as a devoted wife, loving sister, nurturing mother, sassy grandma, beloved aunt and loyal friend. Her many friendships were important to her, and inspirational for her loved ones to emulate.

Mom’s love of family most often was expressed around her dinner table, with meals that would “feed an army.” Most Sundays were spent around the big dining room table surrounded by laughter and five conversations going on at once. She was famous for her pies, and she baked everyone their favorite. Her hospitality was legendary, and all who received it felt her love. We loved her quick wit, countless ‘momisms’, and side splitting humor wrapped up within her beautiful smile - now lighting the heavens!

Mom grew up in a home filled with piano music where it was common for friends to gather around her mother’s piano to dance and sing. The Pla-Mor Ballroom was a Saturday night destination for Dad and her, dancing to the Big Band music of the time. She was the only person who could keep up with Dad’s signature exuberance on the dance floor! In more recent years, Mom enjoyed attending concerts, musicals, and listening to many of her favorites on a daily basis in her home and in her car.

Mom’s love of music, love for family, and especially her enduring faith allowed her to accomplish wonderfully well the assignment God gave her!

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers Paul, Jim and Bill Weishar. Survivors include her brother Larry Weishar; sons, Ken (Peggy) Reilly, John (Frannie) Reilly, Jim (Jamie) Reilly, Pat (Connie) Reilly; and daughters, Karen Reilly, Mary Beth (Steve) McClain, and Diana (David) Latlip. Grandchildren: Megan, Colleen, Kevin Reilly; Kelsey Reilly; Samantha and Shelby Almo; Jess and Jake Reilly; Annie, Daniel, Kathleen and Maureen Reilly; Molly, Mattie, and Bernie O’Boyle; Pat (Nancy) McClain, Kathleen (Joe) McAnulty, Cara, Maggie, and Charlie McClain; David, Keaton and Connor Latlip. Great-grandchildren: Colten Camden, Madison Reilly, Henry and Nellie McClain, and Fern McAnulty. She also leaves behind dearly loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.