In Memory of Marlene B. Riley
September 2, 1933 - December 17, 2025
Marlene B. Riley, a devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong organizer of people and possibilities, passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in New York on September 2, 1933, Marlene spent her earliest years near Heidelberg, Germany—an experience that shaped her worldview and fostered a deep appreciation for culture, history, and travel. She returned to the United States as a first grader, learning English and beginning a life defined by adaptability, curiosity, and quiet determination. Marlene cherished her German heritage and maintained strong connections with her family's past, including Heidelberg and Nurtingen, the hometown of her Opa, Dr. Robert Reiner.
In 1957, Marlene married Richard A. Wallner and moved to Menlo Park, California, where she raised her three children—Chris, Pattie, and John. Motherhood was central to her life, and she approached it with the same care and intentionality she brought to everything she did. She believed travel was a form of education and ensured her children and grandchildren experienced the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
Marlene later remarried and, during her second marriage to Robert V. Riley, moved to Sammamish, Washington, to be closer to her youngest son and his family. The people she loved were always her North Star.
Inspired by her Opa's textile business, Marlene was an accomplished sewer and knitter, sharing her skills freely with friends and family. She deeply valued friendship and treasured time with those closest to her—especially her lifelong friend, Barbara Ferdinando, with whom she shared countless happy adventures.
Known as an extraordinary planner and organizer, Marlene had a rare gift for bringing order, beauty, and warmth to any endeavor. She generously volunteered her talents at several organizations, including one that served the mentally disabled, and she made a lasting impact at Stanford Hospital, where she served as volunteer manager and buyer for the hospital gift shop.
Marlene was predeceased by her first husband, Richard A. Wallner, and by her second husband, Robert V. Riley. She is survived by her children, Chris Wallner (Anne), Pattie Wallner, and John Wallner (Shannon); her grandchildren —who knew her as "Omie"— Katy Wallner, Jack Wallner (Elsa), Matt Wallner (Raena), and Emily Wallner; and her great-grandchild, Adeline Wallner.
Marlene will be remembered for her creativity, love of learning, and her remarkable ability to make life run a little more smoothly for everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Contributions in Marlene B. Riley's memory may be made to Hospice or to Institute on Aging (ioaging.org/donate/), the organization that provided Caregiver Coaching to the family over the past year.
September 2, 1933 - December 17, 2025
Marlene B. Riley, a devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong organizer of people and possibilities, passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born in New York on September 2, 1933, Marlene spent her earliest years near Heidelberg, Germany—an experience that shaped her worldview and fostered a deep appreciation for culture, history, and travel. She returned to the United States as a first grader, learning English and beginning a life defined by adaptability, curiosity, and quiet determination. Marlene cherished her German heritage and maintained strong connections with her family's past, including Heidelberg and Nurtingen, the hometown of her Opa, Dr. Robert Reiner.
In 1957, Marlene married Richard A. Wallner and moved to Menlo Park, California, where she raised her three children—Chris, Pattie, and John. Motherhood was central to her life, and she approached it with the same care and intentionality she brought to everything she did. She believed travel was a form of education and ensured her children and grandchildren experienced the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
Marlene later remarried and, during her second marriage to Robert V. Riley, moved to Sammamish, Washington, to be closer to her youngest son and his family. The people she loved were always her North Star.
Inspired by her Opa's textile business, Marlene was an accomplished sewer and knitter, sharing her skills freely with friends and family. She deeply valued friendship and treasured time with those closest to her—especially her lifelong friend, Barbara Ferdinando, with whom she shared countless happy adventures.
Known as an extraordinary planner and organizer, Marlene had a rare gift for bringing order, beauty, and warmth to any endeavor. She generously volunteered her talents at several organizations, including one that served the mentally disabled, and she made a lasting impact at Stanford Hospital, where she served as volunteer manager and buyer for the hospital gift shop.
Marlene was predeceased by her first husband, Richard A. Wallner, and by her second husband, Robert V. Riley. She is survived by her children, Chris Wallner (Anne), Pattie Wallner, and John Wallner (Shannon); her grandchildren —who knew her as "Omie"— Katy Wallner, Jack Wallner (Elsa), Matt Wallner (Raena), and Emily Wallner; and her great-grandchild, Adeline Wallner.
Marlene will be remembered for her creativity, love of learning, and her remarkable ability to make life run a little more smoothly for everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Contributions in Marlene B. Riley's memory may be made to Hospice or to Institute on Aging (ioaging.org/donate/), the organization that provided Caregiver Coaching to the family over the past year.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marlene B. Riley, please visit our flower store.
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