Nancy Riley
May 9, 2010
Nancy M. (O’Connor) Riley, 75, died Sunday morning, May 9, 2010, with family present. Born in Danvers on November 2, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Nora O’Connor. Nancy was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Holten High School in 1952. She trained to become an x-ray technician and was subsequently employed at Beverly Hospital. Nancy married Thomas E. Riley on August 18, 1956. A devoted wife, mother and homemaker, she raised four children. She worked for many years as a nurse’s aide, serving the residents at Cedar Glen Nursing Home in Danvers with kindness and compassion. Before retirement, Nancy was also employed as an administrative assistant for Dexter Gilligan, MD. A longtime resident of Danvers, Nancy resided with her daughter and son-in-law in Williston, North Dakota following the death of her husband in 2003. Nancy had a great love for her New England roots. She was especially fond of the ocean, and spent many happy days with her brother and sister at their Wingaersheek beach house in Gloucester. Nancy cherished time with family and friends, especially around the dinner table. Her delicious meals were always thoughtfully planned and prepared with love. An avid reader, Nancy spent many hours in her favorite rocker immersed in a good book. But when the sun was shining, she could most often be found in the garden, among her beloved annuals and perennials. Of paramount importance in Nancy’s life was her abiding Catholic faith. In her family and her community, she served as a shining example of God’s love. She acted as a Eucharistic minister and a rectory volunteer for St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Danvers, and escorted patients to Mass at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston. She is survived by her daughter, Alanna Morin and husband, Mark, of Williston, ND; two sons, Thomas Riley and wife, Susan, of Ipswich, Bryan Riley and wife, Laura, of Amesbury; daughter-in-law Evora Riley; siblings William and Mary O’Connor of Danvers, and Philip O’Connor of San Luis Rey, CA; grandchildren Shauna Morin, Tara Morin Hillstrom, Jameson Riley, Katlyn Riley, Bethany Riley, Christopher Riley, Kerin Riley, Hailey Riley, Danielle Casale-Riley, Aydan Riley, Bryce Riley, Kezya Riley and Taryn Riley; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, a son, Christopher Riley, and siblings John O’Connor, David O’Connor and Eileen Cullen. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 9AM in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd., Danvers, MA 01923.
Alanna and family: Your mom was a wonderful lady and one I won’t forget. If I could be there with you, Alanna, I would but know that I am here when you come back. May you find comfort in the memories you hold in your hearts. Your mom was a woman of faith and and it is faith and trust in God that will help you in the days and weeks ahead of you. Know of my love and prayers for you. May God grant her eternal rest.