Iris Mary Rielly

Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday December 24, 2024 at the age of 98 after experiencing good health into her nineties. Beloved wife of the late Grant Rielly (1996). Dear mother of Heather Rielly, Marie Rielly-Calladine (Peter), Jim Rielly (Barbara), Cheryl Rielly and Gordon Rielly (Barbara). Loving grandmother of Emily Haesler (Aaron), Lindsay Cole (Ian), Heather Lee (Burton), Connor Rielly (Afnan), and Alison Campbell (Bill). Great grandmother of Graydon, Daisy, Kieran, Louie, Lottie, Elijah, Silas and Darian, Wessam and Lotus. Born and raised in Peterborough, daughter of the late James and Pansy Forbes (Hope), sister of the late James and Donald Forbes.

After high school, Iris was employed at the Peterborough County Courthouse, working in both the Sheriff’s and Land Registry offices.

A life-long member of the YWCA, Iris was a pioneer in the sport of synchronized swimming. With duet partner Jean Millard, they were the first Canadians to win a U.S. AAU junior national synchronized swimming championship in 1948. As a member of the Peterborough Ornamental Swimming Club, the team performed at the British Empire Games in Vancouver in 1954, and in 1955 placed second at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. Iris was inducted into the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Iris volunteered for many years at the Peterborough Civic Hospital including time as president of the Hospital Auxiliary.

As an active parishioner of St. Lukes Church, Iris served as Sunday school superintendent for many years and always volunteered at church events.

An award-winning baker, knitter and sewist, in later years she delighted in travel and was happy that she had dipped her toe in four oceans.

Donations to St. Lukes Church or the Peterborough Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Little Lake Cemetery, 915 Haggart Street, in Peterborough. Memories and online condolences can be shared at www.comstockkaye.com.