Nettie C. Reilly

Nettie Virginia Coleman Reilly passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2024, after a long life of devoting herself to her children. Nettie is survived by her children Kathleen (the late Vincent Grillo), Susan (the late Allen/Alfred Brown), Elizabeth (Charles Carpenter), Sheila (Paul Paradee), John III, and Robin (Kevin Haughney), Nettie was blessed with 17 grandchildren: Mark, Vinnie, Courtney, Kristen, Zachery, Ryan, Charles, Justin, Josh, Zachary, John, Gerald, Deborah, Giovanna, Lauren, Caitlin, and Desmond. All have carried on her love for family, giving us 21 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Gerald (Mick), son Jerry, her mother Elizabeth and daddy Charles Cluff and father Henry Coleman, and her siblings. Nettie (Tootie) was a true Southern lady who created a strong, loving family. She grew up in the Western Presbyterian Church and loved the choir. She would sing day in and day out for her loved ones. Tootie met Mick in her senior year of high school. They would spend their nights getting dinners and dancing the night away. They both taught us how to be a team and support one another. Nettie graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in the class of 1948. After, obtained her Business degree at Beacom College. Tootie encouraged her children to find happiness and create their own families. She spent some of her years being President of the Women’s Democrat Coalition and a Red Hat Club member. A Democratic Governor appointed Nettie to the State Corporate Tax Appeal Board within the Delaware Division of Revenue. A Republican Governor then reinstated her for another term, which was unheard of then. With her loving husband and children, she loved to travel. She was an avid cruiser and loved having fun in the sun. Her favorite spots were the Bahamas, Ireland, and Chincoteague. When she had the time Nettie loved a good book and spoke of how influential reading was. Later on, Nettie and Mick had their own home at White Crystal which was always filled with laughter and happiness of neighborhood children. When not in White Crystal, she enjoyed owning a summer home in Rehoboth Beach and crabbing on their pontoon boat. Everyone who knew her knew the endless love she held for her family. We all will miss her dearly but know she is with us all through all of the highs and lows. We know she is resting peacefully with her husband and son, Jerry. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10 - 11 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Nettie C. Reilly

July 18, 1930 - July 25, 2024

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