Irene Anne Reilly

MADISON - Surrounded by her oldest and youngest children, Irene Anne Reilly, age 93, of Madison, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, at Crossroads Care Center of Sun Prairie. A kind, caring, vibrant soul who never spoke a negative word about anyone, she was born on June 22, 1927, in Madison. Irene was an extremely talented musician from a young age, receiving regional and national awards for her piano skills, including the National Federation of Music Awards. She came from a very musical family and along with her three brothers, formed a family ensemble where they frequently performed on the radio, for weddings and special events, and in concerts. She graduated from Madison East High School in 1944 at the age of 16 before attending Edgewood College and the University of Wisconsin, where she was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Sorority. On March 5, 1944, Irene met Lawrence F. “Larry” Reilly at a Knights of Columbus dance and it was love at first sight. Larry always said that he knew immediately that when he saw the stunningly beautiful woman with the friendly smile and bright blue eyes, that he had just met his future wife and soulmate. Irene and Larry married on Sept. 6, 1947, at St. Bernard Catholic Church and were married nearly 50 years before his passing in 1997. Irene taught piano lessons for over 50 years out of her home and held recitals every year for her nearly 30 piano students in the Esther Vilas Hall of the YWCA. She returned to college and in 1972, received her bachelor's degree with honors from UW-Madison in Music Education, majoring in general and vocal music. Irene taught music at Jefferson Middle School, Lincoln Middle School until it closed in 1979, then at Marquette Middle School until her retirement in 1994. She was a consultant for a music textbook used in the Madison Public Schools. So many music students were touched and inspired by Irene over the years in her life and work. Irene was a lifelong member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and hers was the first baptism when the church was built. She was a longtime member of the choir and a favorite soprano soloist. Irene’s love of singing was also evident in her active membership in the Monona Senior Choir. Irene was committed to her community and she served in leadership positions for the Atwood Community Center Board of Directors, St. Bernard Altar Society, and Madison Area Teacher’s Association. Irene enjoyed camping and snow skiing with Larry and her children and taking Sunday afternoon drives with Larry. Irene was an incredibly creative person and enjoyed interior decorating and painting. After retirement, she immersed herself in landscaping and gardening and could often be found tending the flowers in her yard. Irene was a voracious reader and could easily read a mystery book per day. A strong believer in family traditions, Irene gathered her family to the piano every December 5th, the Eve of St. Nicholas to sing Christmas songs in anticipation of the arrival of St. Nicholas. Larry would pop his head into the piano room to sing a song or two but would soon retreat to the kitchen to watch for St. Nicholas who would hopefully bring candy to the children if they had been good the past year. This was a cherished family tradition that has left an indelible memory upon Irene’s children. Irene also had a strong sense of family history and she helped her father, Ben Stitgen, write a family genealogy book. Irene completed the book after his passing, and it is a trove of family information that made family history come alive and is treasured by all members of the family. Irene is survived by her five children, Kathleen Reilly, Madison, Timothy (Sue) Reilly, Madison, Cindy Reilly, Pittsboro, N.C., Megan (Randy) Koepsell, Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Casey (Cindy) Reilly, Fitchburg; 11 grandchildren, Corin Reilly, Devin (Brittany) Reilly, Brendan (Megan) Reilly, Christopher (Jessica) Koepsell, Tarik (Liz Mesok) Khan, Caitlin (Kurt Voltmann) Koepsell, Alia (Jacob Dana) Khan, Jared (Meghan O’Connor) Koepsell, Kylan Reilly, Shannon (Ben Halkoski) Reilly and Seamus Reilly; five great-grandchildren, Jack and Esmé Reilly, Madison, and Clare, Fiona and Evelyn Reilly, San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Harold (Mary) Stitgen, Madison, and Marvin (Joan) Stitgen, Naperville, Ill.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; parents, Bernard “Ben” Stitgen and Catherine Birrenkott; and brother and sister-in-law, Stanley (Anne) Stitgen. Irene was full of life and loved by all who knew her. She wanted to be remembered with this poem: “Don’t sing of yesterday, yesterday is gone; Tomorrow isn’t written, make today your song.” A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Father Michael Radowicz and her son, Deacon Tim Reilly, presiding. Family and friends who wish to view Mass via LIVE STREAM, may visit Irene's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2020. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Bernard Catholic Church Choir. The family wishes to thank the staff of Crossroads Care Center for all their comfort and care given to Irene. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420