Elisabeth Ann Petry Riley

1949 - 2023

Elisabeth Ann Petry Riley
January 28, 1949 - February 22, 2023
Elisabeth Ann Petry Riley, 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Middlesex Health after a brief battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Liz was the only child of the late George D. Petry and Ann Houston (Lane) Petry. After graduating as valedictorian of her class at Old Saybrook High School, she attended Vassar College (BA) and the University of Pennsylvania Law School (Juris Doctor). A lifelong learner and educator, Liz traveled around the country and abroad, speaking of her mother's life and family challenges they faced.
Elisabeth worked as an attorney in Pennsylvania before moving back to Connecticut. Over a 15-year span, Liz worked as a journalist for the Middletown Press, Meriden Record Journal, and the Hartford Courant. An accomplished author, she was inspired by her extraordinary family which included two of Connecticut's first African American licensed pharmacists, and her mother, Ann Petry, who was the first best-selling female African American author to sell over one million copies of her novel, "The Street". Liz was devoted to and passionate about telling the family story and their place in black culture and history.
She and dear friend, Kristy Clark Billings, started the "We Were There" writing workshop for military veterans at the Russell Library in Middletown; and was currently collaborating with cousins, Ashley James and Kathryn Golden, on a historical film about her mother and family.
Liz was involved in many organizations including the Old Saybrook Historical Society, the Middletown Historical Society, and the Middlesex Community Foundation. Her desire to share her knowledge and educate others will not be forgotten.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 18 years, Lawrence Riley, special cousins Ashley James (Kathryn Golden) and family from California, Anna Neidig (Andreas) from Colorado, and extended family from Iberia, Louisiana, Hartford, Connecticut, and around the country. Her sisters-in-law who thought of Liz as their sister, Susan Riley, Sharon Riley, Deb Petruzzello, and Gisele Wright, will miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be planned for later in the year. To honor her life, donations can be made to the Veteran's Writing Group: Russell Library, Attn. Veterans Writing Group, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com