Lillie M. Reilly (Nee Sorensen)

Lillie S. Reilly
October 5, 1917 to January 8, 2026
Lillie was born in Adams County in 1917 and was one of three daughters. She moved to
Milwaukee in the early 1930’s in search of employment and became an executive
secretary for the Milwaukee School District. During this time, she met her future
husband Mike Reilly who coached sports for the school district on the near west side of
the city. They were married in March of 1940. After retiring from the School District, Lillie
decided to continue employment with the Singer Sewing Company. From there she
worked for Barry Trucking in Milwaukee. Lillie was known for her intellect, loyalty and
dedication to the employer. After Mike’s passing in 1968, Lillie spent birthdays and holidays with her sister-in-law
Ann and husband, Emil and Ann’s daughter Elizabeth, her husband Les and their two
children, Anne and Stephanie.
Lillie had a passion for dogs; so, after the passing of their black Lab mix named Fritzi,
she enjoyed being the family pet sitter for both dogs and cats.
Lillie was a proud member of the local Red Hat Society. She was a passionate book
reader and reveled in a good mystery or romance novel. Lillie was also a theater
enthusiast and kept the playbills from every performance she ever attended. Lillie was
a devoted Wisconsin sports fan; she watched the Brewers, the Bucks games, and she
never missed watching a Packers game.
Lillie lived independently in her own senior apartment, where she enjoyed visiting with
her fellow friends in the building. Lillie was an inspiration to everyone that knew her and
she will truly be missed.
She passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at the age of 108. Lillie is survived by
several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and
nephews. She will also be missed by many close friends.