It is with deep sadness that the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) shares the news of the passing of CTPF Financial Secretary, Mary Sharon Reilly, on July 9, 2025, at the age of 83. Trustee Reilly was a lifelong educator, passionate union advocate, and the longest-serving elected Trustee in CTPF’s history. Her legacy is one of unwavering service, strength, and steadfast commitment to education, public service, and the well-being of her fellow members.
Her life was defined by service, resilience, fierce independence, and compassion," said CTPF Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr. "This is a great loss for many, as we have lost a Trustee, teacher, mentor, and friend. May her unwavering dedication to advocacy and service continue to inspire us all.”
She leaves an extraordinary legacy of service to CTPF and her community.
Elected to the CTPF Board of Trustees 13 times, she served for nearly 29 years, including 11 years as an active teacher Trustee and 17.7 years representing pensioners. She held multiple leadership roles on the Board, including President from 1993 – 2002; Vice President from 1992-1993 and 2018-2023; Financial Secretary from 2013 – 2014 and 2023 – 2025; and Recording Secretary from 2010 – 2011. She chaired nearly every committee — including Disability, Finance & Audit, Health Insurance, Investments, Pension Law & Rules, Personnel, and Return-to-Work — always bringing clarity, pragmatism, and a collaborative spirit to her work.
A tireless advocate for fiscal responsibility, she worked to ensure access to quality health insurance for her constituents, supported sound investment practices, and demonstrated fiduciary integrity. She carried invaluable institutional history and made decisions in the best interest of the Fund and its 96,000 members. She viewed her role not just as a leader, but as a partner to staff and a servant leader to members.
She began her career as a Catholic school teacher, then joined the Chicago Public Schools in 1965, serving as a teacher and guidance/adjustment teacher before retiring in 2002 with 37.5 years of service credit. Her dedication to students and education extended well beyond the classroom. A devoted Catholic and active parishioner at Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge, she was also a respected alumna and board member at Mundelein College and Loyola University, and a longtime Director in the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago and the Chicago Teachers Union retiree unit. Her faith, Irish heritage, and commitment to family, friends, and community were central to her life.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 36, she faced numerous health challenges with grace and courage, never allowing them to define her.
Preceded in death by her parents, John and Rita, née Fleming, Reilly, and by many beloved aunts, uncles, and extended family members, she is survived by her brother, John (Sandy) Reilly; her nephews Matthew (Stephanie) Reilly and Peter Reilly; her beloved great-nephew Marshall Reilly, and many cousins. She also leaves behind dear friends, former colleagues, and generations of educators and students whose lives she touched with her wisdom and warmth.
Arrangements
A wake will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass, 10: 30 a.m. at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, 920 Granville Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, Hillside, IL.
Obituary
Mary Sharon Reilly's full obituary can be found here.