Obituary of Dorothy O'Reilly

DOROTHY (MERZETTI) O’REILLY - Dorothy, in her 100th year, our adored Mother passed away peacefully in Brantford, Ontario on November 9, 2021. Born January 23, 1922, in Saint John, dear daughter of the late Herman J. and Laura M. (Hansen) Merzetti. Dorothy resided the greater part of her life in Saint John. She was predeceased by her husband Patrick and her precious son Christopher, two sisters; Mary Ellsworth and Ada Paschal; and five brothers; James, Donald, David, Herman and Robert. She is survived by three daughters; Mary (Deborah), Julia (Michael) and Maureen and four sons; Michael (Wendy), Patrick (Carolyn), Thomas (Eloise) and Mark and one brother Paul. Her family tree continued to grow with 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Dorothy was employed for many years as a bookkeeper in the Merzetti business Mutual Jobbing Co. Ltd. a wholesale tobacconists and confectioners. Dorothy was a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School, class of 1938. She was secretary of the Silver Links Seniors Club, a lifelong member of St. Joachims CWL and St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. An avid bridge player, Dorothy and 7 of her dear friends played in the Champlain Heights Bridge Club for over 40 years. She enjoyed reading, word puzzles, women's curling and the Toronto Blue Jays. She treated friends with the same kindness, decency and care as she did her family. Despite facing life challenges she was filled with courage, humour and a smile. Dorothy was strong in her faith and an active churchgoer. In later years she supported various support services that were available to those in need including food banks, domestic violence shelters and emergency housing. For that reason if you’re inclined to make a donation in her memory to any of the social agencies it would be appreciated especially Hestia House of Saint John. Arrangements are entrusted to the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Avenue, Brantford, Ontario. Donations and condolences are available online at www.beckettglaves.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Dorothy in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic a private family service will take place in the future.