DOB/DOD: January 31, 1887 (Norwalk, CT) – March 5, 1976 (Lake Zurich, IL); 89 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: The 1880 census shows the parents living in Norwalk, but no street addresses are listed. The family moved to Brooklyn, NY, sometime between 1887, when Ruth was born, and the 1900 census.
NOTE: Ruth O’Reilly is not on the plaque in Norwalk.
FAMILY: Born to Michael S. [1848-1932] (born in Ireland) and Eleanor A. Dolan O’Reilly [1852-1925]. Seven brothers, Thomas A. [1874-1913], William E. [1879-1943], Charles A. [1881-1969], Francis J. [1883-1971], Joseph M. [1884-1960], Robert D. [1890-1973], and Irving P. [1892-1955]. Three sisters, Margaret A. [1876-?], Veronica E. O’Reilly Malone [1888-1983], and Robina E. O’Reilly Lewis [1896-1977].
SERVICE DATES: Called into active service on June 8, 1918. Served at the Base Hospital at Camp MacArthur, Texas, until January 12, 1919. Served in Hospital #5 until January 27, 1919. Then served on the Hospital Ship General Robert M. O’Reilly from April 25, 1919, until her discharge on September 8, 1919.
OTHER: On a manifest for the SS President Harding departing Cherbourg, France for New York City, arriving October 2, 1927. In the 1940 census, Ruth was listed as a renter at 560 170th Street, New York City. Occupation “nurse” at “private hospital.” After this, nothing else could be found.
From The Norwalk Hour March 9, 1976
Miss Ruth M. O’Reilly, 89, of Kildeer, Illinois, died Friday at Northwest Community Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Norwalk on January 31, 1887, a daughter of the late Michael S. and Eleanor Dolan O’Reilly. She served in World War I as a registered nurse with the Army. Miss O’Reilly leaves on sister, Mrs. Veronica Malone of Kildeer, Ilinois, and several cousins in New Milford, Connecticut.
Ruth O’Reilly was buried in Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery, 80-86 Fort Hill Road, New Milford, Connecticut; Section A, Plot 680, Grave 6.
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Honor Norwalk CT veterans 