Eloise Neyle Reilly, 102, Died; Staples Grad, WWII Red Cross Member
Eloise Neyle Reilly "Sis," age 102, passed on peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and caregiver on July 1, 2022.
Eloise was born March 22, 1920 in New York City, daughter of Eloise Neyle Daniels and William Henry Reilly. She was a remarkable, self-sufficient and independent woman and known for her positive outlook on life.
She was a longtime resident of Westport since 1934 and a graduate of Staples High School. One of the most important chapters in her life was during World War II when she joined the American Red Cross Club Mobile Unit, a unique service conceived by the Red Cross Commissioner to provide comfort and support to combat troops on the front lines with coffee, donuts and conversation. After the war ended, she was stationed in Germany for an additional two years during reconstruction to support the efforts of US troops. She often told stories of her remarkable friendships and experiences during her years with the Red Cross.
Eloise's strength and independence continued beyond the war when she returned home to Westport. In the late 1940's' and the 1950's she built a career in New York City that culminated in her becoming a human resource director at the advertising firm, Young and Rubicam. In the late 1960's, she left the city and the commute to start a second successful career as a real estate agent with Helen Benson Real Estate. In the 1950's, Eloise designed and worked with a local contractor to construct her home where she has lived since 1957. She was an avid gardener, a lover of nature and a longtime member of the Westport Garden Club.
One of her passions and strengths was maintaining great friendships in her community and staying connected with lifelong friends and family across the country. A wonderful result of this passion came in the early 1970's; she initiated the first of many Annual Red Cross Club Mobile reunions at her home in Westport. The reunion was a resounding success and the tradition gained momentum and continued through the early 2000's. Reunions were held at the homes of other Red Cross members and friends across the US and Europe.
We will miss her greatly, mindful that she had a long and good life filled with travel, adventure, love of family and many friends.
Eloise is survived by her nephews, Kevin Reilly and his wife Leslie (Carrere) of Newfield, NY, William Reilly and his wife Laura (Gottfried) of Enfield, NY and Peter Reilly and his wife Mary (Picard) of Rye, NH; her grandnieces and nephews Colin and his wife Lauren, Marissa and her husband Zach Beauchamp, Mia, Megan and Conor Reilly and her great-grandniece Kendall Reilly. Her brother, Donald Reilly, recently predeceased her.
A special thanks for Mary Krewsen, her personal caregiver, for her loving care and the staff of Visiting Angels of Fairfield, CT for their support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor can be made to The American Red Cross.
SERVICES: Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation that will be held on Wednesday, July 13th at 9:30 AM in the Chapel at Christ and Holy Trinity Church, 75 Church Lane, Westport, CT. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 AM in the Church Sanctuary. Interment will follow at the Christ and Holy Trinity Cemetery. Visit: www.hardingfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.
