Eleanor Reilly (née Krest) passed away on Tuesday, June 13th, in Livonia, MI. She was surrounded by close loved ones, which is exactly how she enjoyed spending her 80 years on this planet.

She was born April 19th, 1937 to her parents Dewey and Mary Krest in Detroit, MI. Eleanor would tell you that her life really began when she married the love of her life, James Raymond Reilly, on January 5th, 1957. During their 56 years of marriage, they built a loving family and a life of unending devotion, particularly because Jim let Eleanor buy every Precious Moment or sewing contraption she could ever want.

An accomplished seamstress, Eleanor loved to spread joy to family and friends with her beautiful creations. She crafted everything from hand-stitched clothing and Halloween costumes in her youth to stunning afghans and embroidered blankets in her twilight years. Everything Eleanor made was done with great love and that love lives on in the fabric of her gifts. Loved by all who knew her, Eleanor was a truly special person who gave much more than she took. Her limitless kindness, generosity, and compassion will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her sons, Michael Reilly and Steven (Lynda) Reilly; her grandchildren, Andrea (Matt) Hannah, Zack Martin, Collin Reilly and Brendan Reilly; her great grandchildren, Samuel Hannah and Violet Hannah; her brother, John (Rosemary) Krest; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends and, not to be forgotten, her cherished Shih Tzu, Molly.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, and daughter, Deborah, as well as her parents and grandparents.

A time of gathering to celebrate the life and love of Eleanor Reilly will be held on Sunday, June 25th from 1:00-5:00 at George Murphy’s at Fox Creek Golf Course, 36000 W Seven Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Humane Society.