Patricia J. O’Reilly “Pati Jo” 71 of Helena died unexpectedly May 19, 2014.
She was born November 2, 1941 in Portland, OR to Arlene and Pat O’Reilly. Shortly after the family moved to Roy Montana where she was raised and attended school graduating from Roy High School in 1960.
After graduation Pati moved to Great Falls and briefly attended nursing school. She then moved to Billings where she met and married Richard “Dick” Lenning and to this union a son, Henry “Hank”, was born. They were later divorced.
After leaving Billings Pati lived and worked in several Montana towns including, Lewistown, Missoula, Shelby, and eventually settling in Helena. While in Helena Pati worked as a legislative secretary during several legislative sessions, as well she was a medical secretary for several Helena physicians until her retirement.
Pati was a proud republican and involved with the GOP party for many years. She was an avid antique collector and restorer. Pati was always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone. Her family was very important to her. She was a loving and caring mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, she will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Douglas O’Reilly.
She leaves behind her son Hank Lenning of Helena, brothers Ed (Pat) Brooks of Helena, Jim (Sharon) O’Reilly of Missoula, John O’Reilly of Roy, Mike O’Reilly of Garland, TX, Tim (Beth) O’Reilly of Colstrip and Tom (Maureen) O’Reilly of Billings; sisters Barb (John) McCracken of Colstrip, Mary Satterfield (Dick) of Lewistown, Kathy (Bill) Pittman of Colstrip and Theresa (Gene) Desmarais of Forsyth, aunt Virginia Melichar of Moore, MT, also a special cousin Vicki Kipf of Driggs, ID, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Friday May 23, 2014
St. Leo Catholic Parish
102 Broadway
Lewistown, MT 59457
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday May 23, 2014
St. Leo Catholic Parish
102 Broadway
Lewistown, MT 59457
Interment
Following Services
Friday May 23, 2014
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
North Elm Street
Lewistown, MT 59457
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Friday May 23, 2014
St. Leo Catholic Parish
102 Broadway
Lewistown, MT 59457
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Friday May 23, 2014
St. Leo Catholic Parish
102 Broadway
Lewistown, MT 59457
Interment
Following Services
Friday May 23, 2014
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
North Elm Street
Lewistown, MT 59457
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Connie Brown says
To Pati’s family,
I know it’s been a shock, but I pray you stand together as a family and remember the good times. It’s family and friends that get us through the tough times. Be thankful Pati enjoyed her last day on earth with family and remember it was a good day. Cathy be thankful she was with family and was at peace when she passed. If you need a friend, I am only a phone call away. Laugh together as Theresa and I did today about the silly times you spent together. May God grant you peace and give you strength in the days ahead!
Vicky & Larry Fink says
Theresa and Family: Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your sister Pati. You are in our thoughts…keep the memories close.
Terry Dean Martin says
God will embrace and provide comfort to each of you. Rest in peace Pati Jo….I think I know you better within the last year through our Facebook chats…you will be deeply missed… God Bless
Bill Fraser says
To Pati Jo, Hank and O’Reilly family, Pati Jo will be missed by all who knew her and all those who lives she touched and enlightened. She was my best friend and confidant for over 50 years and we shared many happy events, she was also a very important part of the Fraser family and looked upon as a sister and part of the extended family. We extend our sympathy to the O’Reilly family and share the sorrow of her loss. I will miss PJ very much and await my nightly phone calls. Always remember how loving, gentle and caring she was and we all have a friend in charge “up there”.
David & Oma Lelek says
I just want to share what Pati meant to us. She kept in touch with us from time to time by phone & then with the advent of Facebook we communicated that way. Pati was my main connection to my mom’s side of the family after Aunt Juanita passed away. I will always treasure the things she shared with me about my mom and her just keeping me abreast of family news. She was a joy to talk to and sure with. She always seemed so upbeat and optimistic. I am saddened by her passing and will greatly miss her. There were many miles between us, but she always seemed so close. I know she is with the Lord mow in a far better place. Though heaven seems so far away, it really isn’t, and I will always hold Pati close to my heart. Our prayers go out to the family and I pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you all as you mourn this loss. I know Pati will be greatly missed. I know that someday we will see her again. I love you all. God Bless.
David & Oma Lelek.
Kori R. Dee says
To Pati Jo’s family,
Steve and I send our condolences to you and lift up Pati Jo to the Lord. We have know Pati Jo for many years, loved her laughter, her caring, her willingness to help a friend at any time. You were blessed to have such a wonderful woman in your lives who will continue to be present as an angel watching over all of you. Blessings to you.
Miguel Perez-Lizano says
I just learned about this and am very saddened. Pati said she would call me just before her death and she never did. That was over six weeks ago. So I got worried and tried to call her with no success.
Pati and I were friends for years. I know she was close to her brothers. And I know she was very fond of her son, Hank. To all, please accept my condolences.