MILFORD – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Mary Reilly, 84, resident of Milford. She passed on January 18, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Manchester.

Born on Feb. 13, 1939, in Randolph, Mass., Frances was the daughter of the late Walter A. B. & Mary (O’Hare) Hetherington.

She graduated in 1958 with an associate degree from Boston College, and later continued her education at Southern New Hampshire University. She graduated with honors, obtaining both a Bachelor’s and Master of Science in Human Resources in 1984. She would pursue a career as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor at Beech Hill Hospital in Dublin. Her work as a counselor would carry on with her throughout her life. She was a beacon of light to many individuals and was respected and loved for her kindness, patience and support.

Of all of her accomplishments, she regarded her family as her life’s greatest work. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Gerald S. Reilly, their three lovely children: Joseph G. Reilly (Lynn Reilly); Rachel A. Reilly (Jeff Cordova); and Jason S. Reilly (Dana Blythe), and one wonderful granddaughter, Samantha C. Reilly.

She is predeceased by her siblings: Nancy Harlow, Carol Byrd, Elaine Willis and Leo Hetherington, as well as by her premature son Mathew Reilly.

Frances was a lifelong reader, who loved learning. She was observant and her love of gardening and the arts was expressed in her drawings, paintings and later in her photography. Her family appreciated her delicious baking, her sense of humor and her constant encouragement.

Memorial visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4-7 p.m., in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Milford, 20 Elm Street, Milford. A reception will follow the service.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that was always close to her heart.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.