Mary Ann O'Reilly

Mary was the oldest sister, and only 12 when her father died at their home in Tonroe [Kilnamanagh]. No doubt she had to care for younger siblings Win, toddler Catherine and infant Eugene, while helping to keep the farm going. Then at age 22 she emigrated to Orange, NJ, with her brothers Michael and Patrick. It was probably pre-arranged through the Church. They lived out their years in the big Victorian on High Street, at the entrance to St. John's Cemetery. Their mother and siblings Teresa, Catherine and Eugene joined them in 1892. Mary worked at the rectory and was known around Orange as "Aunt Mary" who put up and fed all the Roscommon people when they first came over. A photo of her [early 1930s?] reveals a warm, happy smile and outgoing personality. She's buried at St. John's.