My deepest condolnences to the entire family..Cousin Shirley was a wonderful woman and I will surely miss her..

aunt shirley you will well missed .you will always be in are hearts love always mary&randy uman and kids.

my loving sister i will always hold you in my heart i sure will miss our phone calls.your loveing sister .

So sorry to see the death of your mom.I did tell my parent John and Janet betti that she had passed they asked me pass along there prayers for the whole family.She was a good freind and neighbor.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Riley family Terry & janie Beverly and kids

Ah, ‘Mama Riley', where to begin? Judy, Mark, Wayne and Mike . . . our deepest sympathies are with each of you and your families during this time of loss and transition. Your mother was a truly special person, always ready with a smile, a deck of cards and a glass of tea whenever we came by to grab Wayne or Mike for whatever mischievous escapade we were about to embark upon. 

When Mike was involved, she always sent us on our way with a knowing chuckle and a hearty “You take care of my baby…” while with Wayne it was often “Have some more tea, we'll play another hand of Rummy…Wayne will be down/here eventually.” It's quite likely that the last time I actually played Rummy was at her kitchen table, cheating as best I could just to enjoy the laughter when she caught me, as she always seemed to do. “You little . . . I thought something wasn't right with that!” she'd say through her laughter while Mike would slam his cards down, complaining that now we had to start over when he was holding his best hand of the day.

I think that any of us who had the good fortune to be friends with Mark, Judy, Wayne and Mike will never forget what may be best called “Shirley-isms”, those little phrases she often tossed out from time to time. Seemingly innocuous, but in reality filled with the knowledge that she usually knew what we were really up to despite our ignorant belief that we were ‘getting away' or had already ‘gotten away ‘ with something. Never judgmental, angry or arbitrary in application, she always trusted her children and their friends to find the limits of good sense and remain within them, lest you disappoint her. ‘Mama Riley' was just one of those unique individuals who could keep you out of trouble without you even knowing it, no easy task considering some of the truly harebrained ideas us malcontents came up with over the years. So many of those “It seemed like a good idea at the time…” moments.

I saw less and less of her as time passed, yet I usually cruised down past ‘ol 1267 Commonwealth Avenue whenever I happened to be in the area. A few years ago I saw her sitting on the front step, pulled in and sat down next to her; it was if no time whatsoever had passed. We immediately fell back into the old banter with ease, me telling her about stupid things I had done lately and her laughing sympathetically and knowingly, saying just the right things in her own inimitable way. Of course it likely goes without saying that we took the time for a little good-natured ribbing of Wayne and Mike as well; “Oh, that Michael . . .” and “Oh, that Wayne . . .” anecdotes which she would always end with “. . . oh, but I love the heck out of ‘em”.

‘Mama Riley', I'll always remember you fondly every time I pull out one of the metal mixing bowls you gave Margaret and I when we got married. Varying in size from ‘normal' all the way up to ‘Larry Brown could bathe in this thing', they make a distinct sound when pulled from the cupboard. Built to last forever, they now reflect even more your laughter, care and wisdom that will remain with me always. 

Rest peacefully, my friend, secure in the knowledge that you have raised an incredible family and that your kindness, wisdom and humor have influenced more than you could possibly fathom.

Judy, Mark, Wayne and Michael . . . thank you for letting us share in your mother's gifts over the years. I hope that knowing how wonderful of an effect she had on so many can somehow comfort you during this time.

My condolences to all of you, my dear cousins. She will always be the feistiest person I have ever known. I wish I could be there. Much love to all, Teri

Remembering you from st Clair ave many years ago. You were a neighbor and friend.condolances to the family

What a glorious Homecoming it is for you Shirley.  I know that Mark greeted you at Heavens Gate surrounded by your family.  It saddens my heart to think I won't get to talk to you about the latest books we are reading, but I am so happy you are free of the burdens of the earth bound body.  I am rejoicing for you that you are now home in our Lords loving arms.  My prayers for Markie, Judy, Wayne, and Michael and all of their families.  I treasure the memories of all the happy times our families have had together.

OBITUARY

Shirley A. Steiner Riley

January 4, 1935 – July 21, 2012

DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home

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