Elaine Stromberg O’Reilly
October 03, 1925 - December 14, 2020
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Elaine Stromberg O’Reilly
October 03, 1925 - December 14, 2020
Obituary
Elaine Stromberg O’Reilly
October 3, 1925 – December 14, 2020
Elaine O’Reilly, aged 95, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born in Walnut Park, CA on October 3, 1925 to Oscar T. Stromberg and Freda Bergstrom Stromberg. She had one sibling, her beloved sister, Nadine.
Elaine’s family moved to Ogden, Utah in the spring of 1926. Ten years later, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho, where they bought a ten acre farm. Elaine spoke fondly of her time on the farm, caring for the animals and a sizeable orchard. She had many happy memories of her childhood.
Elaine and Nadine attended Midway School, where they starred on the softball team. Elaine graduated in May 1943. She attended Brigham Young University for one year. Her last day at BYU was June 6, 1944 – D-Day. Elaine wanted to do something for the war effort, so she took a job at Hill Field, where work crews were assigned to “pickle” the engines of the brand new B-24 Liberator bombers, to be stored in the desert until they were needed in battle.
After the war, Mom trained as an x-ray technician, a job that would take her to New York, Massachusetts, and eventually to Southern California, where she met her future husband, Michael O’Reilly, at a Catholic dance. They were married on June 27, 1956 and had two children: John and Theresa. Michael passed away on April 29, 1986. Eventually Elaine moved to Irvine, California, where she was active in the church’s senior group and made many dear friends.
Family was of tremendous importance to Elaine, and she cherished the time she spent with her sister, cousins, children and grandchildren.
Elaine was a talented artist, self-taught. She specialized in oil paintings, and many of her works of art grace the homes of friends and family members. She loved to travel and made several trips to Europe and Hawaii, and even traveled to Taiwan. Elaine was an avid reader and loved a good mystery. She was kind, caring, and compassionate. She had a special affinity for animals and spent her final years in the company of her faithful Chihuahua, Sammy.
She is preceded in death by her husband of thirty years: Michael O’Reilly. She is survived by her two children: John (Rita) O’Reilly and Theresa (Bruce) Schultz, and her three grandchildren: Katie, Brian, and Eric Schultz, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Dec. 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 966 North Potrero Grande Drive, Rosemead, California.
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19 responses to Elaine Stromberg O’Reilly
Kelly Fox says:
December 22, 2020
Teresa & John and family, we are sorry for your loss. Elaine will be remembered by many, such a class act, always so kind and thoughtful. I remember her being so welcoming, so easy to talk with, and loved her family. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs from afar and memories forever. John & Kelly Fox and family
Margarita D Salas says:
December 22, 2020
Beatiful are my childhood memories of Christmas family gatherings in Pasadena. A home filled with love, music, and always a warm welcome. Elaine had a gift of making me feel so very special. She didn’t just listen, she genuinely engaged in the delight of conversation. I will miss her dearly.
My most sincere condolence to Theresa and John, as well as to your family. You are all loved so very much.
Lila Najar says:
December 23, 2020
My deepest condolences to all of Elaine’s family. Teresa and John my prayers go out to you both that God will give you peace in your hearts. I am proud to say that I was blessed to have known such a calm beautiful person like your mom. Once again I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Lila
Margarita D Salas says:
December 23, 2020
My beautiful childhood memories include that of the traditional Christmas family gatherings in Pasadena. A home filled with love, music, and a warm welcome. Elaine had such a way of making me feel special. Not only did she genuinely listen but she delightfully engaged in conversation. I will truly miss her.
John and Theresa, I grieve for your loss and that of your family. You are all loved so very much.
Michael Minerman says:
December 24, 2020
Elaine was a wonderful neighbor and thoughtful friend. We have gathered so many fond memories over the past 23 years. Our girls were always welcome to play fetch with her dog Cinder in the side yard which both parties enjoyed. If we wanted fresh lemonade, Elaine was always ready to allow us to plunder her lemon tree! I will always be grateful to Elaine for her patience when we were having renovations done on our house. It was loud and our other neighbor expressed their displeasure to use several times. Hoping not to alienate Elaine, I went over to apologize for the noise. She simply said she liked having a little activity going on next door. Huh? Best neighbor ever!! I will close with my favorite story. I was packing for a trip the next day to meet the rest of the family and managed to lock myself out of the house at 2AM. Luckily, the 2nd floor bathroom window was open and as I was climbing from the ladder through the window a light flashes on me and I hear “HOLD IT!!”. My diligent neighbor, Mrs. O’Reilly, had called the cops regarding a prowler at our house!!
John, Theresa, and family, our deepest condolences for your loss. Elaine will be missed.