Sylvia A. Riley

1931 - 2019

Sylvia A. (Gelin) Riley- of Northampton, MA, entered into rest on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at the age of 88. She was a devoted mother to Barbara H. (Steven); cherished grandmother of Eli H. Siegel (Jaime Korner) and Noah S. Siegel (Chanelle Diaz); and the loving sister of Elaine. Sylvia was predeceased by her her husband Edgar F. Riley, son Carl F. Riley, parents Edward and Helen (Jackson) Gelin, and her four brothers - Spencer, Leonard, Stephen and Roy.

Sylvia was born in Salem, MA on July 12, 1931. She grew up in Salem, MA, graduated from Salem High School, and from Barnert Hospital Nursing School, in Patterson, NJ. Sylvia and Ed raised their family in Salem, MA, Danville, NH and Merrimac, MA. She was a Registered Nurse who began her career at Salem Hospital working in the delivery ward and retired as Director of Nurses in geriatrics in Haverhill, MA. She was a dedicated member of Temple B'nai Abraham. She volunteered for many organizations including Sisterhood, B'nai Brith, Hadassah, Little League, and PTA, among others . She loved reading, playing cards and most of all, she cherished time laughing with family and friends.



Interment took place on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Sons of Jacob Cemetery in Danvers, MA. Shiva will be held at the home of Barbara & Steve Siegel on Saturday, December 21 from 6:30 to 8:00 with a service at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 22 from 2:00 to 3:30.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to: The Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre Street, Newton, MA, 02458 (carroll.org).