Mom was born in Insinger, Saskatchewan, to Nicholas and Dorothy Kucey. She spent her childhood in Theodore and, after graduating high school, made her way to the big city of Saskatoon, where she worked in a number of administrative and sales positions.
Mom loved to dance, and it was at a dance where she met the love of her life, Bill Riley. Mom always said that dad had two left feet, but she knew he was the one the moment she saw him. Mom and Dad were married on June 14, 1955, and enjoyed a fairytale romance until his sudden passing in October of 2019.
Together, Mom and Dad owned several businesses in Saskatoon, but her true calling was found in her work for St. Mary’s Parish, where she served first as parish secretary and later when she pioneered the Ministry of Care program. It was there that Mom’s selfless devotion to others truly shone. She was there for countless people in their time of need, whether sitting with those at the end of life or comforting families who had just lost a loved one. Mom and Dad also volunteered at St. Mary’s in many capacities, always giving of themselves and their time.
Family was everything to Mom, and she wanted everyone to know that her fondest memories were with her loved ones — her wedding, the births of her daughters and grandchildren, babysitting her grandchildren, and watching her children and grandchildren grow into wonderful adults.
Mom loved company and was an amazing cook which meant there were countless delicious meals and conversations around her table. When we were growing up, we thought it was quite normal to have a house full of company every weekend.
In 1995, Mom and Dad decided they were ready for condo living and moved to Spruce Grove Manor, where they made many wonderful friends. We are appreciative of her condo community for their friendship and support over the years.
It was important to Mom to live independently for as long as possible, and we are grateful that she was able to do so until just over a week ago, when her body simply couldn’t keep up anymore. She spent her final week in the compassionate care of the staff at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Paul’s 7th Floor for their kindness and for keeping Mom comfortable. We would also like to thank Dr. Rebecca MacKay of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre for her exceptional care of Mom over the years.
Mom is survived by her daughters Audrey (Murray) Gould and Ann (Andy) Iwanchuk; her beloved grandchildren Lauren (Breton) Turanich, Derek (Ebed Camacho) Gould, and Jaclyn (Chris Valleau) St. Denis; her sister Adele Danyliuk; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bill Riley, her brother Richard Kucey, brothers-in-law Michael Danyliuk and Jim Riley, and sisters-in-law Natalie Kucey, Mae Curtis, Lillian Jefferson, Marj Johnston, Audrey Bentley, and Carol Riley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Church, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, followed by a lunch.
A private Rite of Committal will be held following the funeral lunch.
The service is live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/qQdhDsGxK4Y.
You can access the live-stream link from the online obituary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Parish Mission and Outreach, c/o 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, SK, S7M 2R6 in memory of Iris.
Mom’s kindness, generosity, faith, and compassion touched the lives of so many. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service that will continue to live on in all who knew her. Though we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing that she and Dad are together again.
