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Phyllis Riley Obituary
The wife of former Times-Herald executive editor Wyman Riley, she died peacefully in her home Wednesday night surrounded by her family. She had been in declining health for several weeks.
Marjorie was born in southern California, and came to Napa as a young woman. She met her husband while they both worked on competing newspapers, married, and had seven children.
She wrote her entire life, contributing to newspapers and magazines and publishing two books of poetry and essays. Her greatest success was a series of humorous weekly columns on family life, which had a devoted local following.
In middle age, she returned to college, completed a bachelor's degree with high honors in English literature at U.C. Berkeley and did a year's graduate work.
She was a believer, first and foremost, in the importance of family, followed closely by that of writing and publishing. She said she and her husband had bylines in mind when they named their children.
She is survived by daughters Margaret Finley of Oregon City, Oregon, Ellen McClure of Newberg, Oregon, Sheila Riley of Oakland, and Megan McGilchrist of London; sons Brendan Riley of Genoa, Nevada, and Michael Riley of Oakland; 20 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wyman, and son Timothy.
There will be a viewing from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at Colonial Chapels. A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Burial will be in the family plot in Seattle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Riley
Mary Floyd
September 24, 2009
For all of Marjorie and Wyman's children, my dear (some long lost!), cousins - I didn't know her well, but did have some lovely times when visiting the house on Georgia Street when young - and then again for a holiday in the 60's. She was always so welcoming and loved entertaining family, no matter how farflung. Love and Condolences,
Your cousin, Mary Riley Floyd Eureka, California
Mary Floyd
September 24, 2009
For all of Marjorie and Wyman's children, my dear (some long lost!), cousins - I didn't know her well, but did have some lovely times when visiting the house on Georgia Street when young - and then again for a holiday in the 60's. She was always so welcoming and obviously loved entertaining family, no matter how farflung. Love and Condolensces,
Your cousin, Mary Riley Floyd
September 14, 2009
Dear Brendan and family,
Your mother was a wonderful lady whom we will long remember. Please accept our sympathy.
Bill and Nancy Riley
September 14, 2009
Dear Brendan,
I am so sorry for your troubles.the short time I spent at the paper gave me a chance to know your Dad.His principals
never wavered.
M.Lee Finerty
Sheila Laurence
September 14, 2009
Grace with her presents. At the Vallejo Times-Hearld. Time to to time in my youth . Ever so grace, with her writting of Vallejo,while growing up. Sunday reading ,shared with my parents..And we all awaited what will come next .With what thoughts your mother would bring out . Back when Vallejo Times-Herald was filled with ,life so simple and so local. And when "Leave it to Beaver" Mother's pearls shine even around Vallejo . You grew up with the "The Life of Rileys ". And and the humor of Vallejo's own Emma Bombeck ,known as Marjorie. Micheal and Family ,I am sorry for the lost of your mother . And I know that my mother ,Judith (Knight) Irvin, feel the same.For there were night,over nights .We share the writing of your mother's book and articles .That brought closer times, for us together. And of Vallejo pass days. and of Marjorie and your father . It was pleasure not only , to know her works of her pen .But,known her. Heart felt lost to your Family , again. As I ,and my mother, was for Vallejo Times- Hearld. When she layed her pen down for Vallejo for the last time. Memories , not to be lost.
Mary Jo Teplitz
September 13, 2009
Megan, Sheila, and family,
Your mother was a lovely woman, and I have fond memories of her. She always made your friends feel welcome at your house. My deep sympathies to you all.
Rudy DiMaggio
September 13, 2009
Dear Brendan and Family,
Although it has been many years since I last saw Mrs Riley I vividly recall the sincere sound of her voice that always made you feel good inside when she sat you down and ask how you were.
It is with deep sadness we offer our condolences to my friend Brendan and family.
Rudy and Jill Di Maggio
September 12, 2009
Based on my exposure as a colleague of Brendan, the Rileys must be very proud of their legacies. Wyman was a hero, an editor who knew his towns and his people and who obviously imbued his family with his high values. The Rileys give others around them a warm feeling, for the values of a good life and for the highest form of journalism. What more can parents ask but to leave a legacy of children who are admired by those with whom they come in contact. My sympathy and admiration to the family
Marty Thompson, Santa Rosa, Calif.
jeanine
September 12, 2009
Dear Riley family;
I'm sad for your loss of your Mother. I didn't know her but would hear different stories from the family of Karabedian's. Gary, Vaughn, and Dan were all paper boys and their Mother Frieda worked the switchboard for many years. God bless all of you. Sincerely
September 12, 2009
Brendan and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We hope happy memories soon replace the sadness. Cheryl Halloran Munk (South Lake Tahoe)
Dan and Becky Day
September 11, 2009
Brendan and family,
Our condolences on your loss. Your mother was a remarkable woman.
Judith Taipale
September 11, 2009
Brendan and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Reading her obituary I had tears in my eyes, feeling how much respect and love poured both ways. I would have loved to have met her as she sounds like an extraordinary lady. My heart goes out to you and your siblings and family. I am proud to call you all kin.
Judy and Ray Taipale and all the Hillers
Sharon Stoepler
September 11, 2009
May many good memories comfort all the Riley family. Mrs. Riley was a great lady, ahead of her time. I'm sure the last part of her life had more quality because she was able to remain in her beautiful home.
Neighbor, Sharon Stoepler
Richard & Debbie DiMaggio
September 11, 2009
Dear Brendan and Family,
We are sadden to learn of the passing of your mother. With your Faith, you know that your mother is in good hands with the Lord. You and your family have always been close. You will all be in our prayers,
God Bless...
September 11, 2009
Megan, Sheila and family, Our sympathy in the loss of your mother. We have such fond memories of her from when our Kathy and Susan were growing up and going to school with you girls. Our thoughts and prayers and love are with you all at this time. Helen and Ed Boyle
Yvonne Del Carlo Crouse
September 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
September 11, 2009
Brendan and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. You are all in my thoughts.
Lisa Tolda, Carson City, NV
Faith Greaves
September 11, 2009
Brendan, Sorry to hear about your mother. I read her obit. Very impressive. I would have liked to have known her. Between your mother and your dad, how could you have been anything but a journalist...
Best, Faith
Sue Morrow
September 11, 2009
Dear Brendan,
I was saddened by the news of the death of your extroadinary mother and sorry that I'd never had the privilege of knowing her. But from the obituary you forwarded and our conversations, it is obvious she was clearly a remarkable woman whom I know you loved very, very much.
Please extend my sincere condolences to the rest of the Riley family and know that my heart goes out to all of you.
Fondly,
Sue Morrow
Joie Spinelli
September 11, 2009
She was always family first and her offspring exhibit her lifelong joy and pride. Her home was magical and I am forever grateful for the cherished memories of her and Wyman sharing their hospitality with all their children's friends. Her memory will always grace a smile in my heart.
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