Aileen Jane Reilly

Aileen Jane Reilly passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 26, 1938, in Merrimac, WI, one of nine children of the late Walter and Sybella “Bella” (Wartner) Mather.

Aileen grew up on her family’s dairy farm, where she became accustomed to hard work from an early age—something that shaped her character throughout her life. She graduated from Baraboo High School, where her lifelong love of music began to shine. She played alto saxophone in the marching band, an experience that sparked a passion for music she would carry with her and pass down to future generations.

She later moved to the “big city” of Madison, where she met the love of her life, George A. Reilly, at the roller rink. They were married on April 27, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo. Throughout their marriage, Aileen and George built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and deep mutual respect. Together they raised four daughters and supported each other through all of life’s seasons—building homes, baking and decorating wedding cakes for family, hosting backyard reunions, playing volleyball with friends, traveling the world in retirement, and enjoying high-spirited games of euchre with their card club. At the heart of it all was a shared commitment to family and the simple joys of being together.

Aileen was a founding member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and a dedicated volunteer, often sewing items for the church community (such as banners and vestments). Her faith was central to her life and guided much of her service to others.

Music remained a powerful thread in her life, passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her home was full of music—especially when her grandchildren visited and played their musical instruments, filling the house with everything from “Roll Out the Barrel” to Pachelbel—echoing laughter, love, and harmony. She was also an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and UW Badgers Basketball, never missing a televised game if she could help it.

Aileen will be deeply missed by her daughters: Mary Jo (Matt) Kulzick, Tammy (T.C.) Miles, Nancy (Adel) Tabrizi, and Deanna Reilly; her grandchildren: Bob (Rachel), John (Blanca), Kate, and Maggie (Alexis Urbano) Kulzick; Dallas and Skye Miles; Kristina (Peter) Lively, and Angie Tabrizi; and her eight great-grandchildren: Milo, Lucius, Connie, Kira, Abi, Nora, Zara, and Emilio.

She is also survived by her siblings: Bob (Lorelei) Mather, Marian Hanneman, Fran (Paul) Breitbach, Sr. Judy Mather, and Evie Mather; sister-in-law, Mary Mather; brother-in-law, Bob Walker; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; brother, Tom Mather; sisters, Nancy Voss and Laurel Walker; and brother-in-law, Les Hanneman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow the Mass. Burial will take place afterward at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison. For those unable to attend in person, Aileen’s Mass will be live-streamed at: St. Thomas Aquinas You Tube Channel

Aileen’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Agrace HospiceCare and the compassionate team who guided Aileen and her loved ones through this journey. Special thanks to Ines (RN), Marsahra (CNA), and Carolyn (MSW), whose grace and kindness will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or to St. Thomas Aquinas Church—both of which held deep meaning in Aileen’s life.

Please share memories of Aileen by posting in her guestbook.

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