Joan Marie Reilly (Cunningham) passed from this world Saturday, August the eighth in the year of our Lord 2020 after a full life of 85 years.
She passed at her Natalia home of the last 20 plus years with her two sons Scott and Robert (Skip) Reilly and daughter-in-law Sharon at her side.
Joan was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, a borough of Boston, on June 12th 1935 in the family home of Richard Cunningham and Ester (Simmons) Cunningham. She was the fourth child of seven children.
After graduating high school Joan moved to California where she met the love of her life Robert (Bob) Reilly and had her three children Susan, Skip, and Scott. She worked in the up and coming aviation field with companies like Curtis Wright and General Electric.
She traveled the world with her family and husband who would retire from the US Air Force in Port Lavaca, Texas. There she went back to school and became a registered nurse. After retiring from nursing Joan got started raising Pomeranian dogs and Persian cats. She loved Pomeranians so much she became one of the top Pomeranian dog breeders in the nation.
Joan is survived by her sister Rita Gray (her best friend throughout life) and brother Robert (Bobby) Cunningham, her daughter Susan Reilly-Fowler and David C, son Robert (Skip) Reilly and his wife Sharon, and son Scott Reilly. She had five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Bob Reilly, her daughter-in-law Brandi Reilly, her parents Richard and Ester Cunningham, brothers John, Joe, Richard, and Phillip.
Joan Marie Reilly will be laid to rest next to her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery during a family only service at a later date. Joan made this decision after considering the impact of the COVID virus pandemic. She did not want her friends and family to risk their lives to attend her funeral service.
In lieu of flowers or attendance Joan requested that a donation be made to any “No Kill” shelter in her name.
Anyone wishing to sign the online guestbook, share memories or issue condolences to the family may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home -Devine, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, TX. 78016, (830) 663-4445.