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Donna Ries Obituary
AGE: 73 •
Donna Marie Doyle Ries passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 11, 2015. She was born July 5th, 1942 in Davenport, IA, the third child of the late Dr. Donald J. and Marian B. Doyle. She graduated from Mt. St. Clare College and married her high school sweetheart James Ries on July 6, 1963. They lived in Iowa City, IA, Bethlehem, PA before moving to Newark, DE in June 1973. For the past three years, she lived in Kennett Square, PA.
Donna enjoyed her work as a Staff Assistant in the History Department at the University of Delaware for 22 years and retired in 2001. In her retirement she volunteered with the Junior Board at Christiana Hospital, was active in her St. Mary's Assumption Parish, enjoyed her book club, and kept up with her many friends. Above all, her greatest joy was her family.
Donna is reunited with her loving husband of 49 years, Dr. James Peter Ries, who passed December 10, 2011. She is also predeceased by her oldest brother, Robert Doyle.
Donna is survived by her children, Brian James Ries and his wife Nikki of Hockessin; Mary Barbara, and her husband Craig Laudeman, Phoenix, MD; and Kevin Doyle Ries and his wife Michelle of Paoli, PA; eight granddaughters: Madison, Lucy and Piper Laudeman; Sofia and Abigail Ries and Alexandra, Samantha and Marissa Ries. Also surviving: brothers Stephen Doyle (Remie) Anchorage, AK, Edward Doyle (Nita), Iowa City, IA, Thomas Doyle (Janet) Boulder, CO, cousin Julie (Paul), Oklahoma City, OK, and sister in-law Kay Doyle, Pleasant Hills, CA as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2015 at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Donna's memory to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720.
To send condolences, visit:
www.dohertyfh.com
302 999 8277
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Ries
Samantha Ries
October 19, 2020
I loved her with all my heart and I miss her so very very much and she was a wonderful person she was a great mother to my father and a great grandmother to me may her rest in heaven happily and I miss you, grandma.
Karen Hammond Kolek
September 20, 2015
A great and kind lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie Perrone
September 19, 2015
I am so saddened by the death of my dear friend, Donna. For more than 20 years she played a major role in my life -- so good and kind, so thoughtful --so understanding. I am so grateful to have had her in my life for these many years. She is missed. Love to her wonderful family.
Gerry Odean
September 18, 2015
Our deepest condolences to Donna's children, grandchildren and brothers Steve, Ed, and Tom. I spent many great times with Donna and her brothers when the lived in Clinton, Iowa. I will miss her! Gerry (Cousin) & Tana Odean and Family.
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George Basalla
September 18, 2015
I will always remember her kindness and willingness to help any one who needed it. The world could use more people like Donna. It would be a better place.
Judi Holmes
September 18, 2015
I was deeply saddened to hear of Donna's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Sincerely,
September 16, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Doyle Ries Families. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during these difficult times.
Christine Luque
September 16, 2015
Donna was one of the kindest people I've ever met and a wonderful neighbor. She made me feel like I mattered, even when I was a very annoying child! I am blessed to have known you, Donna. XOXO
Ruthie Toole
September 16, 2015
Donna was one of the first people I met at UD in 1984 in the History Department. She was such a nice person, and I enjoyed seeing her every year at the White Elephant lunch in December. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Colleen Leithren
September 16, 2015
I was so sorry to learn about Donna's passing. I worked with Donna right before she retired from the History department and so enjoyed chatting with her at the White Elephant parties and retirement parties through the years. Donna always had a smile, humorous stories to share and a caring way about her. Your loss is definitely heaven's gain. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
James Curtis
September 16, 2015
Donna was the light and life of the History Department. Her smile was infectious. She always made us feel at home in her presence. She will be greatly missed by all.
September 16, 2015
We are saddened by Donna's passing. I'll always remember her smile. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her children.
Deepest Regards,
Mary Jane and Jim Papas
UD WE 2014
Angie Hoseth
September 16, 2015
UD WE 2014
Angie Hoseth
September 16, 2015
UD WE 2007
Angie Hoseth
September 16, 2015
Donna holding a special WE gift in 2007.
Angie Hoseth
September 15, 2015
I will miss Donna dearly, especially at our fabled White Elephant office
Christmas parties, where she always gave the most outrageously funny gifts. We shared a lot of laughs at those silly parties. Remembering Donna will always bring a smile to my face. Blessings to her beloved family.
September 15, 2015
My condolences to the Ries family on the loss of Donna.May you find comfort through this difficult time from the God of love.(John 3:16
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Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
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