Jane Ann O'Reilly

Jane Ann O'Reilly, 88, passed away peacefully May 12, 2025. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1936 to James Leo Nellis and Jane Evelyn Moore, attending Saint Agnes Academy, then Villa Duchesne, a Catholic boarding school in Saint Louis, Missouri. She attended Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York for two years and then graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

It is during her tenure at Marquette that she met the love of her life, John Thomas O'Reilly. They were married in Memphis, Tennessee on October 24,1959 and left almost immediately for a two and half day drive to Colorado, where they put down roots and began a family. Their first home was a summer cabin alongside a creek in Evergreen, Colorado and Jane loved to tell stories about the rugged living conditions and eclectic and wonderful neighbors who became lifelong friends. 

Her happiest years were spent in Evergreen where she raised her three children and found joy in skiing and hiking in the nearby mountains. She loved sitting with friends and family on her patio, taking in the beautiful view of Mount Evans and keeping an eye out for the wildlife that wandered through her yard, including many elk and the occasional bear. Friends will remember her sense of humor and how her calls to "just check in"; could turn into hours spent catching up, swapping stories and sharing memories. 

Jane's faith was integral to who she was, shaping her values and guiding her decision making, both in joyful & challenging times. She was a wonderful wife and mother always putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. 

Jane is survived by her children, Bridget Holmes (John Holmes), Megan O'Reilly, Kenan O'Reilly and two granddaughters, Olivia and Frances Holmes, whom she adored. Jane was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack and Richard Nellis, and her husband, John.

A private service will be held on May 16, 2025 at St Francis of Assisi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jane's memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at: https://donate.nami.org/fundraiser/6372606.