Sister Charlotte Reilley, OSF

Sister Charlotte Reilley, OSF, who served for 77 years sharing in the life and mission of the Allegany Franciscan congregation, died March 14, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany.

Born Garneita Marie Reilley on Dec. 17, 1924, in Cortland, to Leo and Donalda (Corl) Reilley, Sister Charlotte attended Homer Central School and graduated from St. Mary High School, Lancaster. She attended St. Elizabeth Teacher College in Allegany, receiving a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University. Sister also took graduate courses at Cortland State University.

Sister Charlotte entered the Franciscan congregation, on Feb. 2, 1943, and professed her final religious vows on Aug. 16, 1950. Sister began her ministry in the field of education in congregational schools in Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida and New York, including teaching elementary and middle school at St. John, Olean. She was a religious education coordinator at several parishes in which she served. She was also involved in parish ministry and the choir. She later worked in the general treasury at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

Prior to retiring in 1995, Sister Charlotte was administrative secretary at St. Mary Hospital Convent, West Palm Beach, Fla. She was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany in 2013. Sister Charlotte was predeceased by her parents and sister, Sister Natalina O’Neil, an Allegany Franciscan.

A wake service was held March 17, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Motherhouse Chapel. A funeral Mass was celebrated March 18, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial followed in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.