Obituary of Velma Cosette O'REILLY (nee Wiley)

January 19, 1939 - Saltcoats, Saskatchewan
September 17, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Velma O'Reilly of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the age of 82 years.

Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

Opera lover. Raconteur. Sister. Mother. Aunt. Glamour Gramma. Great Grandmother. Social convenor. Spirited fashion icon.

Velma O’Reilly was a force to be reckoned with. Born in Saltcoats SK, the youngest of three sisters, Velma was raised in a loving home in close proximity to many aunties, uncles, and cousins. Large, loving families remained a constant throughout her life. From very early on Velma yearned for the city. At sixteen, already a fashion trailblazer, she moved to Yorkton to train as a hair stylist, then departed for Moose Jaw – via Kamsack and Vancouver – ready for adventure.

As 50s conservatism transitioned towards 60s freedom and flair, Velma – in heels, mini-skirts, and fur coats – was the embodiment of the new era. She quickly became the most renowned stylist in Moose Jaw, where she and her girlfriends were the height of fashion and the heart of the social scene. Velma had the highest score (ever) at the local bowling alley, as well as the eye of every young man in town. 

In 1961, Velma was swept off her feet by a handsome airman, Laurence “Yogi” O’Reilly, who loved her truly, madly, deeply … at first sight. From that day forward, this dynamic couple was formidable; everyone they encountered noted, acknowledged, and respected their incredible relationship. They wasted no time in getting married and shortly thereafter moved to Ottawa, where Velma found work at a top salon. Though she was young, her extraordinary talents – stylistically and interpersonally, were recognized. Shortly after starting, Velma was asked to manage the 16-chair salon, a significant accomplishment at the age of 22. Motherhood soon beckoned and Velma and Yogi welcomed their first child, Larry. 

Yogi was transferred to Germany where the family of three quickly settled in. During their time in Europe, they travelled extensively and enjoyed expanding their horizons. Cherished photos from this time show Velma (with her gorgeous legs) riding her bicycle through the German villages with her young son in a front basket and his (soon to come) sibling in Velma’s pregnant belly. Shortly after the birth of daughter, Sue Anne, the family of four now complete, returned home to Canada to build their life in Ontario. 

The foursome moved easily and often. Velma settled into each new community with flair. Gatherings with neighbours, friends and family were frequent and each celebration brought an opportunity to showcase glamorous style. Velma’s taste and design aptitude translated well beyond the world of hair and fashion, manifesting in elegant interiors, creative tablescapes and dramatic décor. Her insight, intellect and infallibility were as memorable as her fabulously oversized glasses, sleek leather pants and dramatic furs. Her warmth and kindness belied a quick and clever wit. A seat next to Velma, was the most coveted at any event. 

No one cherished conversation with Velma more than her five grandchildren, Tegan, Conor, Bronwyn, Dylan, and Eliza. Her special mix of wisdom and spice kept the grandchildren entertained. Of their own accord, they spent hours on phone calls, facetime and text threads inviting their grandmother into every aspect of their lives. She willingly discussed career choices, life partners, and pop culture. Velms, as they called her, was in their corner, and they knew they were blessed because of it.

Always reachable, Velma was a valued best friend and confidant to all who knew her. She had an ear for listening, a kindness in her heart, and honest well considered advice for all who sought it. 

In retirement, Velma and Yogi returned to their western roots, moving to Calgary to be close to family. Velma found everlasting friendship and fellowship at St. James Catholic Parish. She gave of her time, assisting at funerals, volunteering with Inn From the Cold and Feed the Hungry, and delivering communion to nursing homes. She recreated with fervor – loved euchre, the dance floor and never missed a church social – in fact she often hosted the after party. Her interests were balanced and varied. She was a huge Toronto Blue Jays fan, rarely missing a game. She delighted in watching Canadians take to the courts for the US Open, loved watching figure skating and curling and of course the Olympics. She was as likely to share her perspective on global affairs as she was to comment on the latest scandal taking place on reality TV.

Providentially in 2019, Velma, Yogi, Sue Anne and Larry, set off on a European adventure to celebrate Velma and Yogi’s 80th birthdays. This Grand Tour provided time for the ‘original four’ to step away from work and extended family commitments – to be present, to remember, to reflect, to laugh, to share, to catch up without distraction. The memories made would last a lifetime. As fate would have it, sadly, within a month of their return, Yogi and Velma each received a diagnosis of metastatic cancer. Velma passed away eight months after Yogi, the morning after what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. There is great peace knowing our parents are together again.

Velma is survived by her sisters, Elsie (Art), and Lois, and their children; her son Larry (Gayle MacDonald) and daughter Sue Anne (Dr. Stephen Valentine); her grandchildren, Tegan Valentine (Conner Edwards), Conor O’Reilly, Bronwyn Valentine, Dylan O’Reilly, Eliza Valentine; and great-grandson Patrick Edwards. Velma was predeceased by her parents, Cosette and Ed Wiley, her brother and sisters-in-law, Merle Pederson, Glenn, Carol, Brian and Terry O’Reilly, and the love of her life, her adoring husband Laurence (Yogi) Stephens O’Reilly.

A Celebration of Life will take place to honour this amazing couple when we can again gather safely and in style. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. The family would like to offer sincere gratitude to the nurses and physicians who cared for Velma and Yogi, particularly during the pandemic. Special thanks to The Garrison Girls, Minnie Carona, Kathy Bowden and our dear cousins Maureen Pyper, Donna Bauer and  Juliane Bartman, who went above and beyond. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre for Ovarian Cancer, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222.  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial. 

In living memory of Velma O'Reilly, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.