Celeste Viola Reilly A Texas woman who enjoyed family, friends, animals, life and a good crossword puzzle. She plowed through life like her father taught her, to start a good garden. Start with good soil and seeds, and you handle most weather. As kids, Celeste and her brothers would go to the theater to watch scary movies. After the movie, she would walk back home with Tom, while big brother Kay would run back and hide behind the front door. Celeste and Tom would know Kay was waiting there, as always, but they would get scared silly every time he popped out with a big ''Boo!''. She treasured being with her brothers and was extremely proud of both. Growing up as an Army brat and moving frequently, she learned to make friends quickly and kept in touch with as many as possible. It was natural for her to marry a career military officer and move with her husband to many far-off places, but she always wrote to her parents and brothers. She attended Tientsin Grammar School in China from 1933-1936 and Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio. She attended the University of Texas and studied art, but dedication to her growing family led up a different path. Celeste's tireless devotion to her husband and children was the true foundation of her family. Family took precedence over everything else. Later in life she would dedicate her days and nights to caring for her ailing mother at home. Celeste leaves cherished and warm memories for all of us. She has made a difference in many lives and all are grateful to carry her memory. Celeste (Leste) Viola Berry Reilly, born March 5, 1922, to General Kearie Lee Berry and Alice Fleming Berry in San Antonio, Texas quietly let out her last sigh of life and slipped peacefully away at home on October 30, 2002, among family. She now enjoys the company of her husband, Colonel William Robison Reilly, brother, Colonel Kearie Lee (Kay) Berry Jr., and her parents, who preceded her in death. She leaves many fond memories in the hearts of her loving brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Eugene (Tom) Berry and JoAnn Jester Berry (children, Jim Berry, Janet Berry Vance, and Alice Berry); sister-in-law, Phyllis Berry (children, K.L. Berry III, Dana Berry Frazee, and Richard Berry); sons, Dr. William King Reilly (wife, Susan and children, Adam and Jessica); Bruce Reilly (wife, Kathy); plus many grandnephews and nieces. Celeste will be greatly missed by her close friends and people who knew her sharp wit, straight talk, humor and ability to bounce back from hardship with a smile. She talked of her family and friends often, always with love in her voice and sparkle in her green eyes. One can determine the value of a person by the type of family and friends they have. She was a gem who will always be in our hearts.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on Nov. 10, 2002