Mary Beth O'Reilly dies at 83

Last edited 3:23 p.m., March 13, 2026 [Editor's note: Funeral information has been added.]

Mary Beth O'Reilly, the 83-year-old founder of Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, died Saturday at her home in Florida, according to a family announcement.

O'Reilly, herself a breast cancer and lung cancer survivor, established BCFO in 2000, after her friend died from breast cancer at age 31. The nonprofit provides support networks, mentoring programs and resources for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

O'Reilly was remembered in a provided statement by husband Charlie O’Reilly, and sons and daughters-in-laws Pat and Shannon O’Reilly, Tim and Brooke O’Reilly, and Ryan and Brandi O’Reilly.

“The family of Mary Beth O’Reilly is deeply saddened to share the news of her passing," the statement reads. "Mary Beth was a devoted wife, mother and friend whose kindness, strength and compassion touched the lives of so many people. She was the heart of our family – a source of unwavering love, encouragement and guidance throughout our lives. The loss we feel is profound and deeply personal. She has left a lasting impression on all of us, including her extended family and nine grandchildren.”

In addition to BCFO, O’Reilly helped to establish the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida.

In a statement provided to Springfield Business Journal, Joe Daues, CEO of BCFO, said it was a sad time “for everyone whose life was touched by Mary Beth O’Reilly through BCFO.”

“She brought compassion to families in their most difficult moments, was direct in her leadership and never lost sight of her mission,” Daues said. “Mary Beth turned her own personal battle with breast cancer into life-changing support for families she would never meet. Because of her vision and determination, that impact will continue for generations.”

A longtime health care professional and advocate, O'Reilly also has worked as coordinator of community resources for Oxford Home Health Care, a physician assistant and a pediatrics instructor at St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield, according to past reporting. 

“As a Mercy nurse, Mary Beth was a dedicated leader and innovator who never tired of looking for ways to enhance the care we provide our patients and our own caregivers.” said John Myers, president of Mercy Springfield Communities, in a provided statement. “The support she and her family have provided to Mercy Springfield’s C.H. Chub O’Reilly Cancer Center and to our new pediatric clinic with Children’s Mercy helps ensure patients of all ages have access to life-saving care close to home. We are deeply grateful for the life, leadership and generosity of Mary Beth O’Reilly and the lasting impact she leaves on our community.”

O'Reilly received the 2012 Springfieldian honor from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Humanitarian of the Year award from Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

In a statement, CFO noted O’Reilly was the first recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year honor. She received the award in 1990, according to the statement, which also indicates O’Reilly served as chair of the CFO board.

“Mary Beth was an incredible asset to our community and made life better for countless individuals through her leadership and generosity,” said Winter Kinne, president and CEO of the CFO, in the statement. “We are grateful for her legacy, which lives on through her family, BCFO and other nonprofits she supported so passionately.”

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on March 28 at Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

“While we grieve the loss of a beloved wife and mother, we also take comfort in knowing that Mary Beth’s strength and generosity of spirit made a lasting difference in the lives of many breast cancer patients and their loved ones,” the family said in the statement.