In Loving Memory of Jacqueline Reilly

In Loving Memory of Jacqueline Reilly
Akron, Ohio
July 10, 2025

With heavy hearts, the family, friends, and community of Akron, Ohio mourn the passing of Jacqueline Reilly, who departed this world peacefully on July 10, 2025, following a courageous and prolonged battle with cancer. She was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and an extraordinary talent whose life story was marked by passion, resilience, and a dazzling light that shined both on and off the stage.

Born and raised in Akron, Jacqueline exhibited a passion for the performing arts from an early age. She could often be found singing show tunes around the house, putting on impromptu performances in the living room, or participating in school plays and local theater productions. Her voice had a warmth and richness that captivated audiences, and her ability to inhabit a character with sincerity and nuance made her performances unforgettable.

Jacqueline’s dreams were never small. With her heart set on the bright lights of Broadway, she worked tirelessly, never shying away from the immense effort, training, and sacrifices her dreams demanded. After graduating from Firestone High School, she pursued a degree in Theater Arts and Vocal Performance, ultimately moving to New York City to audition, perform, and prove herself among the best. And she did.

Her breakthrough came when she was cast in a major touring production of Les Misérables, where her portrayal of Fantine earned critical acclaim. She would go on to appear in a variety of Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including Into the Woods, Ragtime, and The Light in the Piazza, where her versatility as a performer and emotional depth won the hearts of audiences and castmates alike. She was a true artist, one who brought joy, beauty, and humanity to every role she embraced.

But Jacqueline’s life was not defined solely by the stage. She was fiercely loyal to her family, making frequent trips back to Akron even during the busiest times in her career. She remained grounded, kind, and generous despite her success. She mentored young actors, volunteered with arts programs for underprivileged youth, and used her voice—both literally and figuratively—to advocate for causes close to her heart, including cancer awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and arts education.

Her battle with cancer was fought with the same grace and determination she brought to every challenge in her life. Even in the face of unimaginable pain and uncertainty, she continued to sing, to write, to inspire. She documented her journey with honesty and hope, becoming a source of strength for others facing similar battles. Her final months were spent surrounded by loved ones, with music always nearby, and laughter still echoing through the halls of her home.

Jacqueline is survived by her loving parents, Daniel and Maureen Reilly, her two siblings, Caroline Reilly and Mark Reilly, her niece Sophia, and a wide circle of family, friends, and fellow performers who cherished her beyond measure. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Eliza Donovan, whom she often credited as her first inspiration to sing.

A celebration of Jacqueline’s life will be held at The Akron Civic Theatre on July 20, 2025, where friends, family, and fans will gather to honor her memory through music, stories, and shared love. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Jacqueline Reilly Foundation for the Performing Arts, a nonprofit established in her honor to provide scholarships and resources to aspiring young artists.

Jacqueline Reilly’s light will never dim. Her voice will echo in the memories of those who heard her sing, her legacy will thrive in the hearts she touched, and her spirit will continue to dance across stages and souls for years to come.

“She lived her life like a song—bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.”