Catherine B. Franques Riley

Catherine B. Franques Riley peacefully passed away on August 7, 2024 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was continually surrounded by love and support from her dear friends, neighbors, and especially friends Missy Dunham, Pat Podach, Evelyn Proctor and Clayton Nishikawa who provided a constant vigil at her side.

Cathy was born on June 13, 1945 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1967, with a BS in Applied Art and Home Economics and a Master of Arts degree from Antioch University in 1982. She moved to Oahu in 1967, married her husband, Russell Riley in 1971 and made Maui her home. She excelled as an artist in weaving, ceramics, silver, metal tooling, leather and painting. She was a wonderful hostess, creole cook and excelled in clothing design and construction. She was employed by Architectural Design & Construction, Inc. as its office manager for 25 years. Cathy shared her heartfelt love and aloha with her friends, neighbors and St. Ann’s Church parish.

Cathy is survived by her half-brother, Raphael Franques; niece, Ashlea Franques; nephew, Robert (Melissa) Franques; and sister-in-law, Barbara Franques. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Russell Riley, landscape architect, who passed on August 13, 2022. They shared their love for each other for fifty-one years.

Her life will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church, 40 Kuhinia Street, Waihee, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Viewing will begin at 10am, with a service to follow at 11am. The family requests no flowers. In lieu of monetary gifts/koden, donations to St. Ann’s Church Scholarship Fund can be made in memory of Cathy Riley.