Obituary of Mary Kathleen Riley

It is with great sadness the family of Mary Kathleen (Biddiscombe) Riley, widow of the late Senator Daniel Aloysious Riley Q.C., announce her death at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday June 19, 2015, at the age of 93. Mary Kathleen was born in Saint John on June 7, 1922,the daughter of Patrick Francis and Helen May (McGloin) Biddiscombe. While bringing up her seven amazing children, Mary volunteered with the C.W.L., the I.O.D.E, Birthright, St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxillary and Gift Shop, and Saint John Federal and Provincial Liberal Associations. Mary Kathleen was an avid Gardener and Bridge Player, she loved playing cards with her children and grandchildren. She loved cooking and entertaining for her family and friends. Family beach picnics were held at Mispec, New River, and at the cottage in Dominion Park. Mary loved to travel, and when she and “Al” travelled they delighted their children with slide shows of these many adventures. She continued her love of travel with many visits to her children and grandchildren. Mary’s loving nature kept her blessed with many wonderful friends and neighbours. She is survived by her children, Daniel J., of Ottawa, Ont, Patrick T.(Holly Whitebone), of Saint John, Kevin M.(Patricia Whelly), of Bedford, N.S, Maura E. Halpin (Peter), of Halifax, N.S., Karen A. Riley, of Saint John, and Kathleen M. Karamanos, of Saint John, Sean P., of Vancouver, B.C. sisters-in law, Mary Biddiscombe, of Fredericton, N.B., Phylis R. Biddiscombe, of California, U.S.A, fourteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, six nieces and nephews and many cousins. Mary Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Senator Daniel Riley,Q.C. in 1984, her infant son, Carl Louis Riley, two brothers, Joseph and Carl Biddiscombe, son-in law, Athanasios Karamanos, and her step- mother Mary Evelyn (Murphy) Biddiscombe. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wanda Belyea who has been with our family for close to 40 years. Thank you to the S.J.R.H Neuro and Palliative Care units and to her many “favorite caregivers” for all their kindness and compassion toward our mother. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B., with visitation being held on Monday June 22, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m, and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held from Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Tuesday June 23, 2015 at 12 o’clock. A time of fellowship and refreshment will follow at the Assumption center. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations to Our lady of Assumption Church would be appreciated by the family.