Carolyn Dolores Reilly

Carolyn Dolores Zehner Reilly

April 4, 1947 - November 10, 2025

A loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, Carolyn Dolores (Zehner) Reilly, peacefully passed away on November 10, 2025 in Ashburnham, MA at 78 years old. 

Born on April 4, 1947, in West Kensington, Philadelphia, PA, daughter to the late Paul Wesley Zehner, Sr. and the late Gertrude Anna (Senior) Zehner. Her family would later move to lower Bucks County where she was a graduate of Delhaas High School, class of 1965 in Bristol, PA. 

Carolyn spent many years working in law offices as a paralegal and a notary public. But the career path she loved the most was working as a Professional Standards Administrator specializing in ethics and arbitration prior to her retirement in 2018.

In her free time, Carolyn loved to craft. When her daughters were little, she loved to sew and make clothing for them. She spent countless hours crafting custom jewelry for herself, family, and even had her pieces for sale in local shops. She always had her hand in an artistic venture, learning new skills much like her tinkering father. She enjoyed going to craft fairs, caring for plants and always had a pet turtle. She adored Red Ear Sliders. She absolutely loved karaoke and dancing. She maintained an extremely well-rounded taste in music, listening to and enjoying many genres, including top 100 throughout her decades of life. She was always good for a road trip sing along.

In 1996 Carolyn moved to New Orleans, where she lived for almost 10 years. She loved the history, the world-renowned food, and rich culture of the city. Her favorite time of year was Mardi Gras. She collected throws and local artwork, which she proudly displayed when she moved back to Bucks County to care for her aging parents.

In July of 2024, Carolyn moved to Ashburnham, MA with her daughter, Theresa and adoring Son in Law, Bill and grandson Drake, where she enjoyed her final days living on a lake in serene beauty and calm.

In passing, Carolyn will be remembered, honored and loved for her kind, gentle and caring nature, especially to those who knew her as the neighborhood Mom. All the neighborhood teens were welcomed, cared for and loved by her. Her home was often the safe space for many kids needing a place to fit in, offering an ear to listen or sound advice. She maintained fond relationships with most of them well into adulthood up until her passing. She was like their second Mom.

Carolyn is also remembered as a profoundly intelligent, independent and strong soul. She possessed a unique sense of knowing beyond the obvious. She kept her circle small yet rich in intellect.

Carolyn is survived by her only sibling and best friend, Paul Wesley Zehner, Jr. with whom she sustained an incredibly close relationship. They spoke daily of life experiences, memories and day-to-day happenings even across the miles of physical separation from time to time. She is also survived by her three cherished daughters, Lisa Michele Patrelle, Theresa Elizabeth (Patrelle) Nelson (Bill), and their father Joseph A. Patrelle. Andrea Lynn Reilly (Chris Ward), and her father, John P. Reilly. As well as her grandchildren, Autumn Wardaski (David Johnson), Taylor Tannenbaum, Lexis Tannenbaum, Joshua Reilly, and Drake Nelson. Great grandchildren, Charlotte, and Luke.

Carolyn did not wish to have a funeral service, rather a Celebration of Life which will be private for family and close friends.