Helen H. Reilly

Albany-Helen (Huntington) Reilly, of Albany, NY, passed away on October 1, 2021, with her family by her side. She was born in Saranac Lake, NY on April 11, 1927, to Clifford Huntington and Clare (Oldfield) Huntington. She moved to Albany at age seven, and was a graduate of the Milne School where she participated cheerleading and other sports. Upon graduation, she worked for the NY Telephone Company, and at that time also cared for her young nieces. She married the love of her life, John J “Buss” Reilly in 1949, and devoted herself to raising her family. She greatly enjoyed her career of over 30 years at the New York State Department of Education, in the department of Professional Services where she administered tests and programs for various professions. Throughout her life, she found great satisfaction in volunteer activities. She was a long term congregant at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany, and spent years volunteering at both their school and later at their Food Pantry. She volunteered at the gift shop at St. Peter’s Hospital as well. She enjoyed many creative activities including ceramics, painting, needlework and crocheting. One of her best-loved hobbies was collectable dolls, and she enjoyed sharing this extensive collection with her children and grandchildren. Some other of her favorite things included traveling, both to Hilton Head Island with her husband during their retirement and to Cape Cod with her husband, children, grandchildren and many friends. Helen had many lifelong friends with whom she shared good times, among them Peach and Joe Ryan and Marcia and Ed Cummings. Helen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kathleen (Reilly) and David B. Bonynge, of Waretown, NJ; son and daughter-in-John J. and Karen Reilly of Albany; beloved grandchildren and their spouses, Chrystie (Kenny) and Sam Greco, Colleen (Kenny) and Matthew Moakler, Jennifer (Bonynge) and Brad Swift, Gillian (Bonynge) and Jason Sison and John J. Reilly V. She is also survived by, and delighted in her six great grandchildren, Sam Greco III, Reilly Greco, Hallie Greco, Maeve Moakler, Harrison Swift and Carter Swift. She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. “Buss” Reilly and her daughter, Mary Beth (Reilly) Kenny. She was also predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Raymond Kinville; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marie (Reilly) and Lloyd Harriott; her brother-in-law, James Reilly; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Suzanne (Reilly) and George DiBernardo. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Helen’s family Tuesday, October 5, 2021 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please only enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot doorway; unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Funeral services Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10:30 am Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., (Father John Bradley Way), Albany, NY 12206 where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Helen H. Reilly

April 11, 1927 - October 1, 2021