Philomene Marie (Floch) O’Reilly was born September 27, 1921. She was predeceased by her husband Edward O’Reilly, sisters: Jeanne/Jim Reagan, Marie/Arnold Stephansson, Pauline/Armand Picard, brothers: Johnny Floch, Wilfred Watt and son-in-law Allan Corbiell. Philomene was born in Zenon Park on a farm just outside of Tisdale, Saskatchewan.
Philomene came to Flin Flin in 1928. She was part of a large close knit family. Her father ran the local Floch Bakery, and Philomene and her eight siblings lived above. Philomene was a historical part of our community. She was one of Flin Flon’s pioneers.
She was in the first graduating class of Hapnot Collegiate in 1939. Philomene’s first job was a secretary at HBM&S. In her spare time, she was an avid curler. She and her team went on to play in the Eaton Playdown (which would be today’s equivalent of the Scott Tournament of Hearts), and they won. Philomene was proud of her accomplishments and was always happy to share the newspaper clippings, telegrams, and photos she had from her curling days with anyone who asked. She continued to have a love for “The Curling” and watched it regularly whatever time it was on, day or night.
Philomene met her love Ed in 1954, and they were married six months later. They had two daughters, Maureen and Sharon. Once Philomene had her family and her girls were a bit older, she began a secretary position at the Flin Flon School Division. She always was happy to brag that she was the first secretary at “the new” McIsaac School.
Ed and Philomene were happy to welcome their sons-in-law Greg and Al into their lives. They shared their love with four grandchildren: Paige, Matthew, Reilly, and Lauren. Family was the most important thing to Philomene. She would do anything for them. In retirement, Philomene and Ed became snowbirds and spent over 20 winters in Arizona. They spent their summers at the cabin at Beaver Lake. There was always an open door policy at the cabin, and it was often a revolving door, open 24 hours.
After Edward passed away in 2000, Philomene continued to live a fulfilled and happy life for more than 14 years. She travelled the world, enjoyed the company of family friends, attended weekly meat draws, hockey games, happy hours, fishing, boating, Haye’s Beach and Sand Bar summer days.
Philomene’s family continued to grow when Sharon met Don, another son-in-law and three more grandchildren, Steph, Jenny, Christa to share her love. Then along came Steve, Paige’s finance. Philomene loved and welcomed him as well from the moment she met him.
Philomene had a great love for the Flin Flon Bombers. When her great nephew Mike Reagan began coaching the Bombers she became even more intensely involved. Every year she had her photo taken with the team in the locker room. It was the highlight of the Bomber season. She was one of the Bombers’ proudest fans.
Philomene celebrated her 90th birthday party three years ago, and in her mind it was epic. It was one of her favourite conversation pieces. Family came from all over to celebrate this day with her, and she was all smiles. It was a special celebration that she held dear to her heart. This wasn’t Philomene’s last shin dig. She held a huge party at her cabin two summers ago to celebrate 50 years at the cabin. Again, family and friends turned up from everywhere. It was her last celebration at her beloved cabin in Beaver Lake. Those memories will never be forgotten.
Philomene spent her last year with us being the strong, stubborn, and loving woman she always was. She spent half the year at her residence at Bedrock Manor, and when she wasn’t strong enough to stay at home anymore she made a new home at the Personal Care Home with her sister Reine just down the hall. She and Reine played games, visited, and reminisced about growing up and spent lots of time together.
The last week of Philomene’s life was a family reunion. She had so many visitors coming and going and sharing a happy hour with her. Many laughs and memories were shared; she was loved by so many.
On June the 8th, 2014, Philomene Marie O`Reilly passed away at the age of 92, peacefully with her family by her side. She was a strong, beautiful, kind, understanding, compassionate, and amazing woman, and she is missed by so many.
Thank you to everyone who was there for us through this hard time. We are forever grateful for your kindness and your generosity. The countless baskets, food deliveries, favours, flowers and friendly faces were so appreciated. We are so thankful for the wonderful three at Dadson’s who helped keep it all together. Thank you Dana, Darren, and Rhonda.
Merry Christmas Gramma xox
We miss you so much.
Maureen and Greg McBratney, Paige and Steve, Matthew
Sharon Corbiell and Don Peters, Reilly, Lauren, Steph, Christa, and Jenny
