Maryann Riley

Maryann Riley, loving mother and grandmother, sadly passed away on July 19, 2026, just shy of her 89th birthday. Born on July 31, 1937, to Joseph and Cora Fava, Maryann lived a life of curiosity and exploration that inspires family and friends alike to this day.

In 1957 Maryann married the love of her life, Roger Riley, in Wappingers Falls, NY. Together, they built a life filled with love and a family legacy that endures today. Though Roger and their daughter Sharon Riley Murray have since passed, their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who loved them.

Maryann is survived by her daughters Cathy Stecher and Lisa LaSante (Shane) , her grandchildren, Sarah Watson (Jason), Zach Stecher (Lindsay) Cody Stecher and Alex LaSante (Jenna) and her great grandchildren Alexis and Jason. Maryann held a deep love for her family and time spent with her grandchildren brought immense joy to her heart. She loved fishing and boating with Zach and Cody, attending Alex’s robotics competitions, or just hanging around the house spending quality time with Sarah, Alexis, and Jason.

Maryann loved to travel. In particular, she found peace in the beaches and waterfronts of Maine, the crashing waves and cool sea air providing quiet contentment. She regularly traveled down to Florida, where she would visit her sister-in-law Aggie. Maryann never showed fear in the face of new experiences, and even into retirement sought excitement when she went parasailing as a gift for herself on her 80th birthday. She would travel across the country to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon or hop on a cruise solo without reservation. Maryann embodied the idea of seizing the day, endeavoring to truly experience and appreciate her time on this Earth.

Maryann also held a deep appreciation for local Native American culture, particularly the Western Abenaki of the Wabanaki Confederacy. She was an avid collector of cultural artifacts and crafts, and would attend tribal gatherings and pow wows in her community, immersing herself in the rich spiritual and natural celebrations shared therein.

Maryann's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Our House for their exceptional care and compassion during her final days. Your kindness provided comfort and dignity to Maryann and will forever be remembered by her loved ones. 

In honor of Maryann’s wishes there will be no public service.

While Maryann’s passing brings profound sadness and grief to her surviving family, we choose to remember her for the joy she brought to those around her and celebrate her intense zest for life and adventurous spirit. She will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her.

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." – Traditional Native American proverb