Louise M. (Fitzgerald) Riley

Louise M. Riley, 90, of Homer passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2017 in the Cortland Regional Nursing Facility.

A lifelong area resident, Louise was born February 17, 1927, a daughter of the late Cornelius and Lucille Hicks Fitzgerald.

She was employed at Smith Corona for 25 years, retiring in 1984 as a payroll auditor.

Following her retirement, she spent most of her time, which she truly cherished, babysitting her grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends of the family.

Louise was a longtime communicant of St. Margaret's Church, Homer, where she was a member of the church's Legion of Mary Auxiliary. She was also a former member of the Friendly Activity Association at the Friendship House. She also enjoyed many crafts, especially knitting and crocheting, as well as playing cards with family and friends. 

Surviving are her six children, Patricia (Thomas) Wethje of Cortland; Susan Kinneally, Laurie (Brian) Pepper and Vicky (Jeff) Ellis, all of Homer; Donald (Marilyn) Riley of Cortland; Leo (Denise) Riley II, of Homer; and her son-in-law, Philip Nowalk of Homer. Also surviving are eighteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren (with two on the way); her sisters, Lillian Batsford, Isabelle Petrie and Mary Henry; two brothers, Cornelius Fitzgerald and Arthur Fitzgerald, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Louise was predeceased by her husband, Leo D. Riley; her daughter, Sandra Nowalk; two grandsons, Mark DeMond and Daniel Bossard; three brothers, Daniel, John and Robert Fitzgerald; two sisters, Ellen Nowalk and Evelyn Palladino and her special friend, Arnie Underwood.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Alciati. 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 – Noon at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Riley’s name may be directed to St. Margaret’s Church, 14 Copeland Ave. Homer, NY 13077.

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