Yvette Nicole Reilly

Yvette Nicole Reilly

September 13, 1964 – August 25, 2025

Yvette Nicole Reilly was born on September 13, 1964, and passed away on August 26, 2025, at her home in Portsmouth, Virginia, after a courageous battle against dementia. It progressively removed her ability to walk, speak, move, and eventually live, but it never diminished her essence and true self.

Yvette spent most of her life on Long Island with her family in Selden, NY. After graduating high school, she enjoyed the daily activities of Maryhaven Day Habilitation, whether she earned a salary through contract work, or participated in plays and musicals through the performing arts program. She brought her smile, sweet disposition, and tenacity to every activity. In her spare time, Yvette enjoyed a bowling, Zumba classes, and going to dances with her friends; and attending church service every Sunday with her family. At home, she took care of her household duties, watched favorite TV programs, and relaxed with word search puzzles.

For the past 11 years, she lived with her sister, Christa Hahn, in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she learned the pleasure of cherry slushes at the local Sonic. As a helpful sidekick to her sister, Yvette became friendly with staff at the supermarket, bank, and pharmacy while running errands. Everyone recognized her. She savored meals and root beer (always) at restaurants, and became a fan of the Hallmark Romance movie channel, plus a number of family-focused sitcoms. She volunteered for several years at the Book Nook, where her organization skills were put to good use.

More importantly, she relished spending time with her friends at the Smithfield Hands and Hearts organization every week. Yvette gained many happy memories singing karaoke, picking strawberries, visiting the zoo, walking in the park, working on creative projects, selling mistletoe, attending dances, riding in the annual Smithfield Saint Patrick’s Day parades, and simply talking and sharing with her circle of friends. All of it meant a great deal to her, but she returned the favor by always being ready to provide a helping hand to anyone who needed one. She earned the Best Friend Award as a result.

Anyone who knew Yvette was aware that her favorite color was blue (as her eyes), and that she cherished having her fingernails manicured. She was a lady in every way, with good manners, politeness, and high standards. She giggled at silly jokes, flirted with her doctors, faithfully viewed “Wheel of Fortune” every evening, and sang along to all the songs on the car radio. Life’s little pleasures evoked a broad grin. Yvette remained as happy as possible while she fought against dementia. The disease did not destroy her spirit.

She is survived by her older sisters Lorraine Rivera and Christa Hahn, who already miss her very much; and pre-deceased by her mother, Brigitte Reilly, and her father, Frank J. Reilly.