Carolyn Elaine "Mickey" Riley

1935 - 2024

Carolyn Elaine "Mickey" Riley, born April 18, 1935, passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores Rose; her father, Howard Giesy; brothers, Lynn Giesy and Howard Giesy; and her beloved husband of 62 years, Richard "Dick" Riley.
She leaves behind her children, Carolyn Riley (Chuck Lang), Richard (Tracy) Riley, John (Kate) Riley, Mary (Mark) Hess and David (Jennifer Franz) Riley; her grandchildren, Gwynn (Brooke) Riley, Ian (Emily) Hess, Alex (Missa) Riley, Liam (Michaela) Hess, Ilsa Hess, Kellen Hess, Riley Lang, Reagan Lang, Sean Riley and Dylan Riley; her great-grandchildren, Rhys Riley and Colin Hess; her brother, William Giesy; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Born and raised on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Mickey was the second of four children and the only girl. It was on the North Side where she would meet the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Riley. They married when Mickey was only 18 and they would spend the rest of their lives together.
Dick would often say that the smartest decision he ever made was asking Mickey to be his wife.
To all who knew her, Mickey was the embodiment of love, strength and caring.
She gave her time and energy freely to the Girl Scouts of America, the Merrick Art Gallery and other local causes.
Mickey had a great affection for all holidays and loved to decorate in an over-the-top manner that brought joy not only to her family but to all who saw it. Her Halloween decorations were often the talk of her neighborhood. Mickey also took great pleasure in bringing the extended family together for Christmas. Those parties allowed for the aunts, uncles and cousins to truly get to know each other and bond. Her energy will always be present at family events even though she has passed.
In addition to her love of her family, Mickey had a strong love of animals. This was reflected in her numerous bird feeders and the fact that she never had fewer than two dogs at any one time.
Mickey epitomized the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you'd have done to you." Her endless well of love and caring she shared without condition. She was an exceptional source of strength, wisdom and comfort. She understood that to be a good mother meant not only showing affection but also instilling discipline. She was the greatest mother, grandmother and great-grandmother for which any family could hope.
She will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her.
RILEY - Friends and family of Carolyn Elaine "Mickey" Riley, who died Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mickey's honor to the Butler County Humane Society, https://butlercountyhs.org/make-a-donation/memorial-donations.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.