Obituary of Colleen O'Reilly

Colleen O’Reilly (née Burrows) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, April 5, 2021. She was 50.

Colleen was born on July 15, 1970 in Passaic, NJ to the late Rev. Mr. Charles and Barbara Ann Burrows. She was a graduate of Villa Walsh Academy and attended Fairfield University to obtain her undergraduate degree in Political Science.

Colleen met her beloved husband Philip O’Reilly at church while the two were at Fordham University Law School together. The couple became inseparable and were married on April 12, 1997. Colleen enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer with Kelley, Drye and Warren in New York City, but eventually left that path when she became a mother to her beautiful children. Her family was her number one priority and she adored them greatly.

Colleen was a talented athlete, playing basketball, tennis and paddle. She loved deeply her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison. Few people possessed the pure joy and sincere generosity that Col shared each day. This love of life and thoughtfulness created a large circle of close friends that Colleen treasured. She loved hosting big family holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Colleen was a fun-loving person and liked to travel, especially to Disney World with her family.  Her vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Colleen faced life's adversity with grace and beauty rooted in her deep faith.   Her ability to see good, to feel gratitude, and to find laughter even in the most difficult of situations was amazing.

Colleen was predeceased by her parents, Rev, Mr. Charles Richard and Barbara Ann Burrows. She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 24 years, Philip O’Reilly; her cherished children, Brendan Charles O’Reilly, Caitlin Ann O’Reilly and Kelly Elizabeth O’Reilly; her brother, Charles Burrows and his wife Christine; her sister, Christine Burrows-Yi and her husband Michael; and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 4-8PM held at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. In addition to the church, the school gym will have limited seating at church due to COVID pandemic guidelines.  The mass will be live-streamed at www.svmnj.org at 10:00AM, as well as in the school auditorium with Holy Communion offered. A committal service for Colleen will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Colleen’s memory to The ALS Association and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

.