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Melissa Riley

RILEY, MELISSA EILEEN
The death of Melissa (Kean) Riley, wife of the late Donald Gregory Riley, occurred peacefully on May 20 th, 2016 at the Church of St. John and St. Stephen Home. Born in Saint John on February 11th, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Morton and Sarah (Garvin) Kean.
Melissa grew up on Newman St. in the North End where she attended St. Peter's parish. Melissa graduated from St. Vincent's High School in 1946. Upon graduation she headed off to Halifax and stayed at the Good Shepherd Convent. After fourteen months, Melissa returned to Saint John and took a secretarial course at Modern Business College. Upon completion of her secretarial course, Melissa went to work at H.M.C.S. Brunswicker for the next five years. In 1953 Melissa married Donald Riley and became a stay-at-home mom to her four children.
Mom was a woman of deep faith, a devoted parishioner of St. Peter's parish and 50-year member of the CWL. Mom was a very social person who loved to have coffee and chat with her neighbours. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and going for rides in the car. Mom had a special devotion to Mary and attended the Novena whenever she was able. Mom loved her special community of friends at Liguori House senior's complex where she lived for 21 years prior to entering the Church Home.
Melissa is survived by her son, Paul Riley, Courtenay, B.C.; daughters, Barbara (Owen Dunn) Riley, Rothesay; Melissa (Wayne) Webb, Courtenay, B.C.; and Moyra (Andre Chabot) Riley, Prescott, Ont. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Andrea, Kelly, Phillip, Erin, Patrick and Melissa as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Melissa is also survived by her last remaining sibling, Sarah Cusack.
Besides her parents, Melissa was predeceased by her husband Donald, baby daughter Mary, and sisters, Mary Russon and Patricia Peters.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the love and care Melissa received from the staff during her four-year stay at the Church Home. A very special thank you is extended to her loving sister Sarah Cusack for her daily visits and the many wonderful treats she made and brought to Mom. God bless you, Sally.
Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo St., Saint John, with visitation on Friday, May 27, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 am from St. Peter's Church, 50 Clarendon St., Saint John. Interment will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
For those who wish, remembrances to Romero House or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.
Online remembrances and condolences may be placed at www.fitzpatrickfh.com.

 

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