Eileen O'Reilly (8 Jul 1931 - 9 Mar 2023)

In loving memory of Eileen O'Reilly who sadly passed away on 9th March 2023
Born in Gories, County Cork in Ireland. One of thirteen children of a dairy farmer. Eileen's early life shaped her later life. There was always work to do on the farm, milking cows, fetching water, planting crops, and feeding the chickens were some of her chores. Eileen's nurturing also started early, supporting her youngest brother Murty to read and write.
By the age of 15 Eileen had lost both her parents and there was little opportunity for work in Ireland. Mary her older sister encouraged her to come over to England and join her and their brother John in Nottingham.
Eileen and Mary went to London to try their hand at nursing. Lots of adventures were had, including a trip to Epsom Downs to watch the Derby. Eileen decided that nursing wasn't for her even though the matron was keen that she should stay on and so she came back to Nottingham.
In the 40s and 50s, it was easy to get a job as the UK was still primarily an industrial economy, and Eileen tried her hand in many of these industries.
She met Tom her husband at St. Barnabas Cathedral Social Club at one of the dances that were popular then. Married in 1959, they moved to Radford when their first child came along in 1960. Times were still tough for many people, having none of today's modern conveniences. It seemed not to matter to Eileen and Tom as they had a further three children in the coming years. The last child was born in 1964. They had their hands full. This was when they moved to a larger house in Hyson Green. Still no mod cons though!
Eileen loved her children and was always proud of their achievements. She kept all the school reports, certificates, and school photos.
Once the youngest went to school, Eileen went straight back to work the following day, getting a job in the school meals service, which fitted in perfectly with her parental duties. How she managed to juggle all these activities is still a mystery, but she always did it with a smile on her face and never a single moan. Eileen never wanted anything for herself, it was always her family that came first.
As the family grew and there was a little more spare money, summer holidays were spent in Ireland, either in Kilkenny or Gories in Bantry where they stayed with her nephew on the family farm.
In the early 80s, the family made their final move to Aspley. What a luxury that was in comparison to before.
Eileen still continued to work right up until her husband Tom became ill, nursing him through his final years. Even in her "retirement" she kept on working. Helping at the Cathedral by doing the Monday cleaning and Friday lunches where she met so many lovely friends.
When Eileen became a grandmother to young Tom it renewed her vigor along with trips to Ireland and making use of her first-ever passport to Spain and France where she supported a family friend on a trip to Lourdes.
There was always a full table of family around for her delicious Sunday lunches.
As Eileen's health and strength started to deteriorate, she drew great comfort from her children as they all rallied around to ensure that at least one of them was always with her being a constant companion and help.
Eileen was a woman full of love and kindness, with a mischievous nature, who worked hard to nurture and protect her family, a woman who was respectful, compassionate, loving, and full of fun.
Her home is so quiet now and she is sorely missed by everyone who knew her.