Obituary of Joan Barnaba Riley
Joan Barnaba (Smith) Riley, 86, of Venice, FL passed away on December 24,2022.
Born in Long Island City NY to Eugene and Helen Smith on February 12,1936. Married 66 years to the love of her life Ronald F Riley, who will continue to love her for eternity and pray with her until they are together again. Joan and Ron lived for many years in Babylon Village NY prior to a 1998 retirement to Venice Florida. Joan was a very proud parent and grandparent and great Nana!
Mom lived a faith and love filled life surrounding her home and the lives of her family with a joyful and respectful tranquility. From games and shenanigans with her children and grandchildren to leading by example her and our Dads love story, the Riley house radiated compassion, empathy, a love of learning, Godliness, and unending joy! Mom was a pro education steward sharing her love of learning and reading through her role as a Montessori teacher and later a teaching assistant at St Joseph’s School Babylon. Mom was a 50 + year member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Bishop McDonell council.
In retirement Mom served along with Dad in the charismatic renewal at Epiphany Cathedral Venice and long-standing service with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center which meant the world to her.
Mom was welcomed into Our Lords heaven on Christmas Eve, surly to the angels chorus of “O Holy Night “ her most cherished Hymn.
Joan is survived by her beloved husband Ronald F Riley and their children: Debra Ruppert ( Damian) Edward Riley ( Denise) Ronald Riley ( Maggie ) Kerry Riley, Mary Noreen Danna ( Stephen) Scott Riley ( Samantha). As well as by her 10 grandchildren: Brendan Ruppert ( Lisa), Rebecca-Jane Ortiz ( Gabriel ), Shaun- Patryck Riley ( Elisavet ), Sarah-Kathleen Weldon ( Robert ), Abby Riley, Tom Riley, Trevor Danna, Hailey Danna, Taylor Riley, Jake Riley; and great grandchildren: Declan Ruppert, Conley Ruppert and Lillian Joan Weldon. She is preceded in death by her sisters Mary Ellen O’Keefe and Adele McLaughlin.
A Funeral Mass will be held in Joan’s honor at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 9:30am. She will be laid to rest following the conclusion of mass at Epiphany Memorial Gardens.
Anyone wishing to honor our beloved Wife and Mother and Nana, please spread kindness and generosity with all and look for the face of God in everyone around you ,as she did!
