Judith Ann Reilly

Judith Ann (Liston) Reilly, 87, of Manchester, NH died, surrounded by her family, on February 4, 2026 after a period of declining health. Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 29, 1938, she was the daughter of Andrew Todd and Pauline Adele (McCullough) Liston.

Judy graduated from Haverford High School, Havertown, PA in 1956 and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1960 from Eastern University, St. Davids, PA.

Shortly after graduation, she married Dr. John W. Reilly on June 4, 1960 and settled in northern New Jersey where they lived for many years to raise their family. She taught English at River-Dell High School in Oradell, NJ from 1960 to 1964. Once her children were school-aged, Judy established a successful career as a real estate broker in New Jersey and, later, in New Hampshire.

Judy and her husband moved to Laconia, NH from Ridgewood, NJ in 1989. There, she worked as the office manager for the Vascular Surgery Office Lakes Region General Hospital from 1989 until retiring in 1998.

Judy was a longtime member of the Laconia Athletic and Swim Club as well as the Laconia Country Club where she was active in the Twilight Golf League for many years.

Judy loved animals, especially dogs, and had many throughout her life. She channeled this passion for animals into volunteer work for the NH Humane Society in Laconia. Judy enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Opechee Garden Club as well. She was also a prolific and talented crafter, always delighting friends and family with her masterful handmade creations.

In 2016, Judy relocated to Riverwoods, Manchester where she enchanted fellow residents and staff alike with her beautiful singing and her cheerful attitude.

Judy was predeceased by her husband, John Reilly, her parents and her sister, Isabel Swank. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Lehman of Warminster, PA; her daughter, Judy Devine and husband Michael of Deerfield, NH; her son, John Reilly and his wife, Karen of Midland Park, NJ; her son, Andrew Reilly of Vancouver, WA; her daughter, Kerri Cavanaugh and her husband, Kevin of Manchester, NH. Her grandchildren are Ryan Devine of Missoula, MT, Megan Dodson and husband Matt, of Northfield, NJ, Tim Reilly of Ringwood, NJ, Nathan and Calvin Reilly of Vancouver, WA, Jack Cavanaugh of Boston, MA, Ryleigh Cavanaugh of St. Charles, MO and Myles Cavanaugh of Manchester, NH. She also has 2 great grandchildren, Madison and Emma Dodson of Northfield, NJ in addition to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 1 pm at The Hill Bar & Grill, 50 Chalet Court, Manchester.   In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s memory to the NH Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Rd., Laconia, NH 03246.

https://www.nhhumane.org/donate