Obituary of Rosann O'Reilly

Rosann O'Reilly, mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, Cincinnatian for over 30 years. Born July 4, 1948, Bronx, NY. Returned to Christ October 27, 2010, after a long battle with ovarian cancer, in her home in Redmond, Washington. Raised in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, Rosann grew up surrounded by her devoted close-knit Italian family, financially poor but rich in love. She was known among her many cousins for her brilliant mind and unforgettable wit, but also for her generosity and caring spirit. Rosann came to Cincinnati in 1974 as a Procter & Gamble wife, raised her family in Hyde Park, where she served on the Hyde Park Neighborhood Council, supporting community parks, working tirelessly as a volunteer at Saint Mary Parish and in her community. In the early 1980s, "Mrs. O'Reilly" became one of the first and best elementary Computer Coordinators in the tri-state area. Undaunted by new technologies, high costs, and skepticism, ever-resourceful Mrs. O'Reilly built numerous computer programs from the ground up, saving grocery receipts, resurrecting neglected computers, rallying hundreds of volunteers for this entirely new field in education. She led by example, always wanting to stretch herself alongside her students, and her enthusiasm was contagious. She spent several years at Saint Mary Hyde Park, Kilgour School, and Saint Ignatius. Her tenacity and passion for teaching made her one of the most sought-after and beloved teachers in the tri-state. Not one to slow down, Rosann spent her "retirement" helping to care for her two beloved grandchildren, teaching as a substitute, volunteering with the Redmond Senior Chorus. She was always there to offer a smile, a ride, a new idea, or the answer to that 'impossible' trivia question. A lifelong dream was fulfilled when she competed as a Jeopardy contestant in 2006. Always one to share her talents and share a smile, she was known in Redmond as a gracious and frequent hostess, welcoming seniors and other friends to learn poker in a friendly weekly game she hosted for over 5 years. A dedicated Catholic, Rosann found the joy and the fun in even life's hardest situations, served at every church she attended, especially in music ministry. Her many friends knew they could always rely on her for honest advice, encouragement, and help. She lived courageously, even through challenge of advancing ovarian cancer - her body grew weak but her spirit never surrendered. She is survived by her brother, Al Tagliaferro, two daughters, Sister Ann O'Reilly of North Guilford, Connecticut, and Jean Avery of Redmond, Washington, and two grandchildren, Robert and Mary Rose. Memorials can be made to Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 11 Race Hill Road, N. Guilford, CT 06437, or to Cardinal Spellman High School, Bronx, NY.