Obituary
Guest Book
1924
2017
Loretto Richards O’Reilly, our 93-year-old Mom, died on Monday, February 20, 2017, very peacefully at her home in Covington. She left behind a hell of a lot of stuff to her daughter and three sons who don’t know what to do with it. So, if you're looking for 2 extremely large and heavy TV's from the 90s, a 2007 Infinity with the big engine and speed kit (she was not shy about speeding), with only 38,000 miles and lots of kitchen stuff that we aren't sure what they're used for, just wait the appropriate amount of time and get in touch. Tomorrow would be fine.
She was not a master cook, but loved to have others cooking for her. She believed in eating and drinking but not cooking. When there was no choice, she could make toast and peanut butter or cheese sandwiches with ease. All four of us learned strict etiquette and table manners. We all know which fork and glass goes where and how to use a napkin. When she cooked, we would pretend to cough, spit the food into it and give it to the ever present dogs hanging around under the big table. If anyone would like a copy of her recipes, we would suggest you forget it and use the River Road Cook Book instead.
Despite her culinary misadventures, Mom loved entertaining and shopping. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she always gave us way too much! She always had a big food spread at our huge dining room table. She liked to dress elegantly and wore three-inch stiletto heels, sometimes even to lunch. Mom greatly enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved to impart important life lessons and encouraged us to try everything. It didn’t matter, even if you failed — she would blame the program and make excuses for us and then say things like you’ll be OK! Sometimes you have to fail to learn! When the news covered the Catholic Church’s search for a Pope, she asked if any of us heard from Rome. As we got older, we knew we could do anything. She taught us to be fearless.
When she thought about downsizing, we assumed that meant moving into a smaller house, but no….our mom would not consider anything smaller, ever. She insisted that she buy the entire block or at least the houses on both sides; she needed room and lots of space to keep all her stuff. She also liked four letter words and jokes as much as she loved her family, friends and pets.
Mom was born on January 6, 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Ernest V Richards and Loretto McKenna. She was the seventh of nine children, She had 7 brothers (Ernest, John, James, Horace, Julian, Billy and Bobby and 1 sister that every one called Sis. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.
She married our father, John Devereux O’Reilly Jr. on March 31, 1946 and they were married for 39 years until his death in 1985.
Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include:
Mother of 4 Children: Dev (Debbie), Patrick, Loretto Jr. and Michael. Grandmother to 8: Jamie (Robert), JD (Tricia), Katie (Doug), SR. Elizabeth Ann, O.P. (Carey), David, Colleen (Joseph), Aragon (Jessica) and Nic. Great grandmother to Jena, Robert, Nicholas, Abagail, Gabrielle, David, JP, Nevaeh, Theresa, Vivian, Daniel, Bernadette, Aiden, Liam and Odin.
Other family members: Unfortunately too many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children to list or even count and beloved friends too numerous to mention.
Visitation information for friends and family: There will be visitation at Lakelawn on Ponchatrain Blvd on March 3, 2017 from 11-12a, followed by a service at noon. Internment in the O’Reilly family tomb and a reception following at Lakelawn.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
October 10, 2021
Friend
Jeanne Legault
I remember your Mom very well. She showed me many kindnesses that I will never forget. May she rest in peace, a life well lived.
March 10, 2017
Friend
theldra "baby" scoggin
So sorry to miss saying "goodby" but just found out about funeral. BUT we'll "dirty dance" when I join her in Lakeview. She was unique and a joy...baby
March 10, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Anna Colihan Fasic
March 8, 2017
jim forsythe
O My God
my name is Jim Forsythe , NYC my dear friend Jake Dunham New Orleans sent be this Obituary , who never knem your mom but totally loved this OBIT tribute as do I , we have shown this to so many I wish so that we had the pleasure to know such a lady , the authors of this Obit did her so well , what a great way to tribute a well lived life , I hope one day I read another nearly as well done . So Sorry for your Loss RIP LORETTO
March 3, 2017
Mary Morales
I didn't know your mother - but I think it's quite possible that she and my mother were twins separated at birth - 6 years apart. I love this tribute you have given your mother, an honor I can only hope my sons give me one day. It made me smile and remember all the crazy things about my mom - we all held our breath when we opened Christmas gifts from her as she grew older - never knowing what might be inside. Yes, we begged her not to cook when we went to Florida to visit her. And yes - I would love to buy her big speedster Infinity. Seriously. Call 504 -376-7559. What a grand send off and celebration of a life. Sincerely, Mary Morales
March 3, 2017
Mary Davis
I'm sure wherever Mama is; she will be entertaining the table. She was full of wit and wisdom, kindness and generosity. We will all miss her.
March 3, 2017
Mary Craighead
Loretto, Dev, Patrick, and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was so great and I remember her well from when Loretto and I hung out in high school (she always reminded of me of my mom, a little kooky but so loveable and approachable). I feel your loss and I know it will be hard but, as I reminded Loretto, she is always there with you. If you listen, you will be able to hear her voice. Wish I could be there to offer hugs but I'm in Missouri and I was just down to N.O. a few weeks ago (since mom and dad died, I'm sorta broke). But my thoughts are with you all. Love, Mary Craighead
March 2, 2017
Dori Ashton
It's a loss felt round the world! Such a privilege to sit at Mama's table on many occasions. Our deepest sympathy to My Sista and the whole family. Peace and Love Y'all.
March 2, 2017
Dori Ashton
Good Bye Mama. Happy to have so many great memories of your generous wit. I will treasure our last visit this past July AND your wonderful daughter (my soul sister. My Love to the Family
March 2, 2017
Lynnette Soules
Our sincerest sympathies to Loretto Jr from your Abita friends. Love, Peter and Lynnette
March 2, 2017
Matthew Daniels
So Sorry For all of our loss. I got to see Ms. O'Reilly recently as I needed to fix her Alarm. She was not doing well and I did everything I could to cheer her up. Our long standing joke was when were we going dancing. This beautiful Lady and I were good friends. I, as anyone that knew her, will miss her. RIP!!!!!
March 2, 2017
Leslie Southerland
ps - how much for the car! LOL!! One of the best obits I've read in a long time..love again, Leslie Ann Bogran Southerland
March 2, 2017
Leslie Southerland
So I can see my Pop, Frank Bogran, standing at that great bar they have in heaven holding a drink out saying "Loretto!! We can finally get this party started!!" Love always, Leslie Ann Bogran Southerland
March 2, 2017
Maunsel White
She was quite a gracious lady and I am glad to have had the opportunity to know her. She had a life well lived. May she rest in peace. Condolences to all the family. Maunsel White
March 2, 2017
Hy McEnery
Mrs. O'Reilly's simple walk with Jesus, sweet humor, and vivacious personality always blessed all of those who knew her. Even though she and her brightness are not with us in body, all of her friends and family members will remember her and really miss her, her wisdom, her generous hospitality, her great humor, and her many kindnesses, but rejoice because she is now in Glory. God and His angels will now enjoy her cheerful company, and one day we will see her again! Hallelujah!!
Libba's and my prayers are with you and for your grief.
Love, Shalom, and God bless,
Chaplain Hy and Libba McEnery
"For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE His only begotten SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in Him shall NOT PERISH, but have EVERLASTING LIFE !!" John 3:16
March 1, 2017
Marion Vargas
We all Loved Loretto, She will be missed.
Mr. and Mrs Noel E. Vargas, jr
( Marion and Noel)
March 1, 2017
Sybil Buxton
Sorry about the passing of your Mother, she lived a long wonderful life. The family has my sympathy
March 1, 2017
Christine O'Reilly
My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Funeral services provided by:
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more