Obituary: Edna O’Reilly Cull, 89, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): Edna O’Reilly Cull, 89, of Hamden, died peacefully on December 14, 2022 after a short illness. Edna was born in Boston MA on May 19, 1933. She was the devoted wife of the late Edward Cull and loving mother to Margaret Fitzgerald (Michael) of New Milford, the late Edward Cull (Lisa), Edna Karanian (Ralph) of Wethersfield, and Jeanne Stobierski (John) of Northford. She was predeceased by her parents, Stanislaus and Marie Brown O'Reilly, and her brother, Stanley O'Reilly.

She was the proud Nana to 11 grandchildren, Brian (Teresa), Laura (Dave), Samantha (Jason), Matthew, Jessica (Joseph), Rebecka (Tim), Jonathan (April), Kaitlyn (Mario), Benjamin (Jen), Andrew (Taylor), and Hannah, and 13 great grandchildren, Kylie, Zoe, Elijah, Riley, Harper, Maggie, Connor, Alexander, Benjamin, Madison, Lucas, Christopher, and McKenna. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Thomas F. Cull (Jean Marie) and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Bridgewater State University with a BS in Education and from Southern Connecticut State University with a MS in Education and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership, she enjoyed working for many years as a beloved elementary schoolteacher in Hamden. She met her husband while the two worked at a summer camp, married after a short engagement, and took up residence in Hamden to raise their four children. Ed and Edna enjoyed their family trips to New Hampshire and meandering Sunday car rides to ‘nowhere in particular.’

Throughout her life, Edna was a devoted Catholic, animal lover, and avid reader and puzzler. Once retired, she kept busy with travel (to places like Ireland, Alaska, and Cape Cod), playing piano for her lunch mates at the Hamden Senior Center, volunteering at a cancer center, and with nightly Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

Edna especially cherished visits and calls from her children and grandchildren, as well as her time spent with good friends including Phyllis, Carol, Richard, Greta, and Danielle.

On her last birthday, Edna lamented about how little control we really have in our lives, yet she felt that things always worked out. Always positive, always faithful, she said “We must trust God’s timing.” Her love, kindness, and wit will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, simply perform an act of kindness in her memory.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.