WILMINGTON — Linda Louise O’Reilly, born on March 18, 1944, in Torrance, California, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 81.
Linda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family. As a Marine wife for 64 years, she spent much of her life waiting with love for her husband, Richard J. O’Reilly, to come home. Her steadfast support was the foundation of her family’s strength and unity.
In addition to her role as a homemaker, Linda worked part-time at KMart as a shelf stocker and cashier when her children were older. She cherished her time as a babysitter for her beloved granddaughter, Kylie Funderburk, and took immense pride in caring for her family.
Linda was born in California and later moved to Minnesota, where she lived for 18 years. It was there that she developed a fondness for fishing, particularly for walleyes and sun fish. In 1985, she and her family relocated to North Carolina, where she lived for the last 41 years of her life. During these years, she fished for flounders and found joy in baking, sharing her delicious creations with family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Iva May Rowe, her son Patrick O’Reilly, and her son-in-law David Funderburk, Linda’s memory will be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard J. O’Reilly, her daughter Melissa Funderburk, and her granddaughter Kylie Funderburk.
Private family services will be held to honor Linda’s life and legacy. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and will forever hold her memory close in their hearts. They are requesting donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Linda’s memory, another way that she was showing her love, taking care of others.
