Carol Ann Reilly

Carol Anne (Joyce) Reilly, 76, of Brookfield, NH, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on July 29, 2025, and was preceded by her loving husband of 50 years Paul Reilly.

Carol was born in Brookline Massachusetts in 1949 to Thomas Joyce and Elizabeth (Brown) Joyce. Carol grew up in Newton MA and during the spring of 1968 the love story of Carol and Paul Reilly began while Paul was serving in Vietnam.

Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married February 2, 1971 in Newton, MA. Carol and Paul created a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Carol and Paul lived in Framingham, MA for 38 years in the same house before retiring to Brookfield, NH in 2016.

Carol is survived by her four children (Son) Paul and Hana Reilly of Hopkinton, MA., (Daughter) Shannon Reilly and Edward Cooley of Northboro, MA., (Daughter) Heather and Colin Parham of Hudson, MA., and (Daughter) Jessica and Rick Russo of Brookfield, NH.

Though she loved painting, traveling, and volunteering, Carol’s favorite role was that of Nana. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their Nana, never failing to be their loudest cheerleader and confidant. Carol is survived by her 11 grandchildren: Rian, Joseph, Caleb, and Keegan Russo, Cameron Mann, Misha and Kuba Reilly, Regina and James Parham, Eddie and Jason Cooley.

Carol’s family includes her (Brother) Thomas and Ellen Joyce, (Sister) Susan Roy, (Sister In-Law) Patricia Reilly, widow of (Brother In-Law) James Reilly, (Sister In-Law) Patricia and Thomas Clancy, (Sister In-Law) Jeanne and Richard Shimkus, (Brother In-Law) Steve Reilly, preceded by (Sister In-Law) Carolyn Reilly, (Brother In-Law) John and Paige Reilly. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and numerous friends that are considered family.

Carol was passionate about her role as a Childcare Provider. She ran a home daycare business in the Town of Framingham, MA for 37 loving years. Carol created a lasting impact on hundreds of children and their families in the community, through her work as an educator and an advocate.

Carol was an active member of Developmental Services in the Central Middlesex County for 11 years, and Served on the board in the Boston area for an additional 4 years, devoting her time and energy to giving a voice to those that had none.

Carol will always be remembered for loving life to its fullest, cheering for the Red Sox, and her passion for the ballet and the symphony. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “I love you more” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, sister, nana, friend, and will miss Carol every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Carol’s Celebration of life is August 10, 2025 at 10am at The Lucky Rooster Farm (415 Wentworth Rd. Brookfield, NH 03872).

In lieu of flowers, donations to The National Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org) and Cornerstone VNA (cornerstonevna.org) would be greatly appreciated.