Joan Ann Riley

RILEY, Joan Ann, 79, of Richmond, passed away peacefully, February 21, 2016, from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. Joan was born in Easton, Pa. to George and Eva Kirchgassner on April 6, 1936. She attended Churchmans Business College and earned her bookkeeping degree in 1955. It was here that she met her husband of 59 years, Arthur Derr Riley of New Jersey. They raised their family in Hauppauge, New York. Joan was a stay at home mom for most of these years and was a Sunday School teacher, Brownie troop leader, little league mom, file clerk and enjoyed time with close friends.

She and her husband retired to Kitty Hawk, N.C. where the beach, visits with family and close friendships with her sister-in-law, Carolyn Downs and mother-in-law, Lillian Riley, were the highlights of these years. Joan and Arthur moved to Richmond in 2004 to be near their daughter, Jane and family. In her life, Joan enjoyed ceramics, reading, hook rugs, and most importantly, her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and nephews.

Joan is survived by her husband, Arthur; daughter, Jane (Rick) Fischer, of Richmond and their children, Katie and Jordan; son, Dennis (Lisa) Riley of Harrison, Idaho and their children, Shannon and Rachael; son, Andrew Riley and family of Suffolk, Va.; her sisters, Rita (William) Lee and Ruth (William) Bogari, both of Easton, Pa.; and her sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Samuel) Seamans, of Newton, N.J. and Joanie Riley (David) of South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Eva; sister, Betty Kirchgassner; sister-in-law, Carolyn Downs; and brother-in-law, David Riley. Her quiet humor and “gumption” made her a wonderful example to her family. She loved well and was well loved.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either, Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Va. 23805 or to the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences to WoodyFuneralHome.com.