Obituary of Cecile Marie O'Reilly

February 1, 1948 – Digby, Nova Scotia

December 22, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Cecile O’Reilly (nee Doiron) passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, in Calgary, AB while surrounded by family. Although she has entered the next chapter, she will be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Cecile was born in Digby, NS on February 1, 1948. Throughout her life, she was known for her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, sense of humor, skills with a piano, her love for adventure, and her famous apple pie. Cecile worked for the provincial government in Nova Scotia for the Department of Labour Relations and continued to work for the government in Ottawa. Serving Canadians was a passion of hers. One of her favorite quotes, learned from her own mother, “Laughter is the world’s best medicine”, has become the mantra for her daughters. Two other phrases commonly used by Cecile include, “Whaaattt?”, when listening to exciting news and, “Aw, aw, aw, aw, awww”, when someone or something displeased her.

Those who will feel Cecile’s loss most acutely include her daughters, Giselle O’Reilly of Riverside, California and Julie Pankow of Calgary, AB; her grandchildren, Raven of London, UK, Hudson of Riverside, CA, Kaleb and John of Calgary, AB; as well as her beloved sisters, Louise Moore of Calgary, AB, Yvonne McCurley of McKinleyville, CA, Marguerite Owen of Oakville, ON, and Claire Doiron of Calgary, AB; and her cousin, Coline Campbell of Church Point, NS. She will also be missed by her ex-husband, Paul O’Reilly, of Brentwood Bay, BC, who remained a close friend.

Cecile was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Linus Doiron and Marguerite Marie Theriault; and her brother Daniel Doiron, of Digby NS.

Cecile’s obituary could take up the entirety of the newspaper, and it still would not be enough to summarize the life of such an amazing mother, sister, wife, and grandmère.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church (110 Queen St, Digby, NS) on Friday, July 12, 2024. Graveside Service to follow at Bernard’s Cemetery. Reception to follow at the home of Coline Campbell in Church Point to conclude and celebrate Cecile’s life. Please contact Giselle O’Reilly at seadogschild@gmail.com for further details.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Cecile’s family here.

In living memory of Cecile 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.