In Loving Memory of Lois Kay (Dunfee) O’Reilly, 1936–2026.

Lois O’Reilly, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, Shamrock Club matriarch, and undefeated Bingo champion, passed away peacefully at age 90 on February 4th, 2026, surrounded by her children.  

Lois was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Bill.  She is survived by her seven children, Mollie (Scott Paynter), Kevin (Amy), Sean (Gretchen), Bridget (Dave Kayuha), Brendan (Jackie), Brian (Vanessa Wackernagle), and Kyle (Toni); Darcie O’Reilly as well as sixteen other grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her younger siblings, Marge Hedges, Mary Lou (Dick) Holbrook, Chuck Dunfee, Mike (Brenda) Dunfee, and John (Anna Meeks) Dunfee, and her sister-in-law, Nora O’Reilly. 

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lois spent nine decades showing the world how it’s done.  She graduated in 1953 from Mifflin High School, where she led the Dunfee sisters’ 3-year sweep as Homecoming Queen.  Married to Bill for 51 years, she raised eight kids and managed to maintain her sanity.  Lois followed Ohio State basketball, Notre Dame football, and Cincinnati Reds baseball religiously, and when one team disappointed her, she simply changed the channel to watch another.  She was frequently cheering from the sidelines at her children’s and grandchildren’s school sporting events, and unlike the Reds, they never let her down.

The Shamrock Club of Columbus and The Daughters of Erin both played a meaningful role in Lois’ life.  The family would like to thank both organizations for the support, friendships, and good times Lois experienced throughout her life, and especially since the loss of Bill.

In her community at Willow Brook Christian Home, Lois prided herself on knowing the many residents and aides by name, and she would try to sneak little tokens of appreciation to her favorite staff (as much as they tried to prevent it).  She quickly found herself involved in the resident council and participating in every activity, with the most enthusiasm reserved for Bingo.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Willow Brook for caring for Lois and for providing a loving community and source of friendship during the last years of her life. To the Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital staff and COPC physicians, the family extends their sincere gratitude for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at Maeder-Quint Tiberi Funeral Home, 1068 South High St, Columbus, 43206, on Monday, February 9th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Christopher Church (1420 Grandview Ave, Columbus) on Tuesday, February 10th, at 10:00am, with burial to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery.  Wake to follow at the Shamrock Club (60 W. Castle Road, Columbus).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Shamrock Club’s Bereavement Committee via the Shamrock Club website, or to Willow Brook Christian Home’s Christmas Fund at 55 Lazelle Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43235 (specify “Christmas Fund” in memo).