Madeleine Ann Riley

RILEY, Madeleine Ann (Unger), age 90, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017. Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mabel Unger, brother Robert Unger, and her college sweetheart and husband of 49 years, James Riley. Survived by her six loving children Marilyn Hardin (Bob), Mark Riley (Courtenay), Matthew Riley (Krista), Elayne Langley (Doug), Karen Huey (Tim), Anne Brown (Neil); grandchildren Stefan, Kerilyn, Lauren, Christopher, Madeleine and Joseph; great grandchildren Evan and Ames. Daughter-in-law Kris Nybeck and sister-in-law Nancy Unger. Madeleine, a native Daytonian, attended St. Anthony grade school and Julienne High School. She graduated from the University of Dayton in 1948 with a B.S. in Education. She was a full-time homemaker until she completed her M.A. in English Literature and began a career teaching freshman English at the University of Dayton. Teaching and interacting with the young UD students was a labor of love. Before his death, Madeleine and Jim satisfied their intellectual curiosity through travel, the arts, literature, music and theatre.

The greatest joy in her life was her family. As a Mother with unlimited love she taught, nurtured and encouraged her six children. Her example will continue to guide us each and every day. Madeleine was infinitely kind, she treated everyone with grace and was dearly loved. Madeleine was a devoted scholar, educator and historian throughout her life. She pursued her interests vigorously and supported her causes generously. A lifelong Catholic, we know that Madeleine is with God our Father. She was a parishioner of Incarnation and St. Albert Churches. She lived her Catholic principles and knew the love of Jesus Christ. She will forever be looking down and praying for her family and friends. Special thanks goes to the Carlyle House staff and residents. Their kindness, loyalty and care helped Madeleine maintain her good spirits, sweet nature and humor through a debilitating disease that would have defeated even the bravest of us. Donations may be made to CurePSP or St. Vincent DePaul. Visitation will held Sunday January 22, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Albert Church at noon on Monday, January 23, 2017. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.