René E. O'Reilly

René E. O’Reilly, 66, of Las Vegas, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012 after a brave battle against cancer. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, René moved to Las Vegas in 1969 when her husband John was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base as a Captain in the legal office. René, a former Clark County Mother of the Year, was an adored member of the communities in which she lived and the non-profit organizations in which she was involved. A philanthropist and crusader, René dedicated much of her life implementing improvements within the areas of child care and family values. She was a volunteer at University Medical Center caring for neonatal critically-ill newborns and with WECAN advocating against child abuse and neglect. She was an active member of the Assistance League volunteering to help clothe needy children. René was also a member of the Junior League and former President of the Clark County Attorneys Wives Association. René also served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, assisting in preparing couples for marriage by being, along with John, a presenting Engaged Encounter couple for over 25 years. In addition, she was an active member of Legatus. Most importantly though, René was a devoted wife, mother and “Nana” to her 7 grandchildren. Her joyful laughter, quick wit and loving heart will be deeply missed. René is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, attorney John O’Reilly, daughter Molly (Lt. Col. Patrick) Mullen of Burke, VA, son Bryan O’Reilly of Las Vegas, daughter Erin (Scott) Mason of Sharpsburg, GA, son Timothy (Tamara) O’Reilly of Las Vegas, seven grandchildren, sister Patricia “Patsy” (Vincent “Bud”) Magee of St. Louis, MO, and brother Richard “Sonny” (Regina) Lee of Chesterfield, MO.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 22, followed by a Rosary/prayer service at 7 pm, at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas 89101.

Rene’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive, Las Vegas 89107. In lieu of flowers, family requests tax-deductible donations, in memory of René O’Reilly, be made to Stem Cell Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Inc., 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, Suite 700, Boynton Beach, FL 33437.