Catherine Anne Riley-Hall

Catherine Riley-Hall passed away suddenly on August 15, 2014, at the age of 59. She was born on August 31, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois. Catherine was the daughter of Robert Riley and Betty Allen.

Catherine attended Fenger High School in Dalton, Illinois, and graduated from Michigan Technological University where she received a degree in Recreational Forestry. She met her future husband, Kenneth Hall, at The Union Board Spring Fling Event at Mont Ripley Ski Area in Hancock, Michigan, where they began to share their love of skiing. After her graduation, Catherine accepted a position as a light house keeper at Copper Harbor. Kenneth and Catherine were married in 1977 in Durand, Michigan.

In 1978, after many moves, Catherine and Kenneth made their home in Centreville, Virginia. Catherine began her professional career with the Virginia Department of Transportation as a construction inspector. In July of 1978 Catherine accepted a position with Fairfax County in the Arborist Office, where she was known as the "Tree Lady." She stayed with Fairfax County as a management analyst with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

In 1984, Catherine and Kenneth welcomed their daughter, Emily, into their busy home. In addition to being a mother, Catherine was active volunteering for the Fairfax Park Authority, her church, and numerous community organizations. She could not stay off the ski slopes, and in 1991 began volunteering as a ski patroler at Cherokee Ski Resort in Linden, Virginia. She loved skiing and teaching outdoor emergency care to others to at many resorts including Timberline, Massanutten, Canaan Valley and others for more than 20 years. She was called the "Queen of the Butterfly Bandage"

Preceded in death was her father, Robert Riley and sister, Susan Knopp.

In addition to her mother, husband and daughter, Catherine is survived by her brother, Robert Riley and his wife, Colleen, and her five nephews Robbie, Bradley, Kyle, Morgan and Connor; her brother, David Knopp , niece Sarah and nephew, Steven; and many dear friends.

Catherine's life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at noon at Centreville United Methodist Church. 6400 Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Catherine's name to the Fairfax County Park Foundation, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park for a memorial tree and bench at Fairfax County Park Foundation, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 404, Fairfax, VA 22035; Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/emily-hall-1/in-honor-of; or Therapeutic Adventures at http://www.taonline.org/.