Leona M. Riley

WINDHAM – Leona M. Riley, 98, passed away peacefully early on August 17, 2018 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. She was born on January 25, 1920 in Gorham, Maine the daughter of Fred and Ethel (Cobb) Verrill. She was raised in Windham graduating from Windham High School where she played on the basketball team there. Leona married Floyd Riley on August 11, 1939. Together they raised three children. Their home at times included various family members and relatives. Leona was a hard working and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a quiet and gentle spirit with a subtle sense of humor. She was known to always lend a listening ear and to offer words of advice with unconditional love. Leona was a woman of great faith and lived her life accordingly. She was a life long member of the Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church where she had been a Sunday School teacher and played the piano and organ. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Evangeline Chapter. Her early pastimes included several types of handwork and later reading Christian fiction novels and putting together many large picture puzzles. She was also an avid and knowledgeable Red Sox Fan. Leona and Floyd travelled extensively throughout the United States including two trips to Alaska. They enjoyed winters in Florida for twenty years after their retirement. Leona accepted with dignity the need to leave her home to be cared for at assisted living at the Stroudwater Lodge in Westbrook where she remained for twenty months. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Linden and Clayton Verrill. She is survived by daughter, Lauretta Nielsen of Windham; son, Gerald Riley and wife Lupe of North Carolina and son, Ted Riley and wife Dottie, of Windham; sister, Pearl Grant of Windham; brother Irvin Verrill and wife Eleanor of Florida; grandchildren, Pam Rich (Steve), William Wheelock, Wayne Wheelock, Mark Riley (Kathy), Lisa Hoffses (Craig), Justin Riley (Jen), Danielle Emerson, Dan Emerson, Gerry Riley, and Michelle Blalock; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-greatgrandchildren. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the kind and compassionate care Leona received at Stroudwater Lodge and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. A funeral service will be held 2:00pm on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church, 96 Highland Cliff Road. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by the Windham Chapel of Dolby Blais & Segee, 434 River Road. To express condolences and to participate in Leona’s online tribute, please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church, 96 Highland Cliff Road, Windham, ME 04062 or Windham Rescue Association, 375 Gray Road, Windham, ME 04062

Leona M. Riley

January 25, 1920 - August 17, 2018

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