Bobbie O’Reilly
Long Grove Trustee Bobbie O’Reilly, whose political career began in the 1970s and included serving on the Buffalo Grove Village Board and the Lake County Board, died Tuesday, Long Grove President Bill Jacob announced.
O’Reilly had served on the board since 2017 and was reelected this year.
She served on the Buffalo Grove Village Board from 1979 to 1987. She then served on the Lake County Board and the Lake County Forest Preserve Board from 1988 to 1992.
A licensed Realtor with Weichert Realtors-Long Grove, she was deeply committed to preserving the historical charm and natural beauty that define Long Grove, officials said.
She was an advocate for protecting green spaces and promoting the village’s unique heritage, village officials recalled.
“Bobbie was well known throughout our community as a staunch supporter of all things Long Grove,” Jacob said. “She was passionate about promoting local commerce and maintaining the vitality of our business districts. She was proud of our history and wanted to preserve it for future generations of visitors.”
Her civic involvement included serving as president of the Long Grove Historical Society. She was also involved with the Lions Club, the Downtown Revitialization Study and the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee.
When she first sought a seat on the Long Grove village board in 2017, O’Reilly said, “I want to make certain that while we finish growing our community, we don’t accept growth that doesn’t blend with our present Village.”
She also advocated for growing the village’s commercial base
“It is vital that we attract commercial to the edges of our community,” she said in 2017. “Those who came before us were very smart in attracting Menard’s and the Sunset Foods development. We need more of that type of development.”
Although illness had caused her absence from recent meetings, she was able to cast a key vote in May in favor of the QuikTrip development proposal at Route 83 and Route 53, attending the meeting remotely. It was her last meeting.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Jacob said the village will pay tribute to O’Reilly.
