Margaret E. (Carson) Riley

Margaret E. Riley, 100, of Sellersville, formerly of Abington Township, passed peacefully at Rockhill Mennonite Community, West Rockhill Township, on Monday, October 17, 2011. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles A. Riley for 71 years, before his death in 2003.

Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Alfred L. and Fredericka G. (Laubmeister) Carson. She was a graduate of Frankford High School, Philadelphia.

After her marriage, she and her husband resided in Olney for more than 20 years.

Primarily a homemaker, Mrs. Riley was fondly remembered as "the best cook ever," especially for her homemade soups, macaroni and cheese, and baked goods.

A resident at Rockhill for 21 years, Mrs. Riley volunteered in the weekly produce shop. She also volunteered at Grand View Hospital, West Rockhill Township.

Margaret was a long-time member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville.

She had been an active member of ARCATS, a retirement group from Abington. She and her husband had also enjoyed many bus trips sponsored by the Gloria Dei Church, Huntingdon Valley.

Throughout her long life, Mrs. Riley loved to stay active, playing badminton, tennis, and shuffleboard, as well as going bowling, biking, square dancing, and swimming. She also enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle. Mrs. Riley loved the beach and the outdoors, often spending much of her free time gardening and birding. She also took great pride in having traveled throughout the country, visiting all 50 states, as well as abroad to Italy and Ireland.

Margaret was a very independent woman and a courageous role model. A steadfast, caring wife and mother, she still valued her "alone time" for daily devotions.

Mrs. Riley is survived by a large, loving family, which includes her six children: Jeanne Smith, of North Wales; Margery Stumpfrock, of Bedminster; Charles A. Riley, and his wife, Rita, of Fripp Island, South Carolina; John P. Riley, and his wife, Ellie, of Franconia; Kathleen R. Lear, and her fiancé, Bruce Mirra, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and Patrick M. Riley, and his wife, Vivian, of Reno, Nevada; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Charles "Buck" Carson, of Oreland.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by a brother, John Carson; a sister, Madeline Ward; and three sons-in-law: Wesley, Martin, and Ronald.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Monday, October 24, 2011, in the Rockhill Mennonite Community Chapel, 3250 State Road, Sellersville, PA 18960, where a calling hour will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., Monday afternoon in the chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, October 25, in St. Agnes Catholic Church, 445 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960. Family and friends may call from 9:45 to 10:30 A.M., Tuesday morning in the church.

Interment will be conducted privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Margaret’s name to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.