Penelope Elizabeth O'Reilly

It is with great sadness that the family of Penelope (“Penny”) Elizabeth O’Reilly announce her passing on September 10, 2024. Penny was born March 3, 1944 to William and Elouise O’Reilly. She is survived by her two sons, Paul (Renee) Bates of Portland, OR; Matthew Bates of Rostov-on-Don, Russia; granddaughter Amelia Bates of Eugene, OR; siblings William (Roberta) O’Reilly of Long Grove, IL; Pamela O’Reilly of Portland, OR; Richard (Barbara) O’Reilly of Laguna Woods, CA; Patricia O’Reilly of Colorado Springs, CO; many nieces and nephews; and former husband Frederick Bates of Chicago, IL. Preceding her in death was her son Orpheus Bates; her parents William and Elouise O’Reilly; brothers Timothy and Michael O’Reilly. 

Penny grew up in Wilmette, IL attending St. Joseph’s school and Marywood High School in Evanston, IL. She received her B. A. in History from Mundelein College in Chicago, IL.

Penny was the ‘mother bear’ to all whom she loved and held dear. Her love and support for her sons, granddaughter, extended family and friends was intense and never wavered. She was an avid reader and found great joy in her extensive library. Penny had a variety of many life experiences and adventures along the way including interesting moments with many famous celebrities and politicians. She was gifted with an extremely quick witted, unmatched sense of humor that those around her enjoyed very much. She shared her lifelong love for music with everyone and was known to quickly break out in song for any reason. We were all blessed and extremely grateful that she did have a beautiful voice. 

In 1994, Penny moved to Monterey, California and became an antique and rare books dealer where her passion for the past flourished with her keen eye and fondness for the written word. It was at this time that Penny had her trifecta moment - sharing her love of history, art and knowledge with her fellow antique dealers and loyal clientele. 

She followed her dream to live near her sons and granddaughter in Portland, OR and was able to continue to make everlasting memories. 

Penny was the glue that held her large extended family together and will be greatly missed by all of us.

I’M FREE

Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Life up your heart and share it with me.

God wanted me now, He set me free.