Elizabeth (Betty) A Riley was born in New Richmond, WI on July 24, 1925, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Bessie) Riley.

The youngest of three children, Betty joined brothers Robert and Thomas. She was baptized on August 2, 1925 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond. During her early years, the family lived in New Richmond, Milwaukee, and St Paul, MN.

Betty graduated from Holy Angels Academy in Milwaukee in 1943.  During that time she also attended the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and performed as Piano Accompanist for the Forest Home Social Center.

Betty was a life-long learner, earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She was awarded her Elementary K-9 Teaching Certificate from the Illinois State Board of Education in 1977.  Betty continued her formal education, earning a Master of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1979 and Master of Education from DePaul University in 1989.  The Board of Education awarded her K-12 Certificate for Teaching Learning Disabilities & Reading in 1993.  She was employed by the Chicago Public Schools and several Suburban Districts until she retired.

Betty was an independent woman with a wide variety of interests.  Betty moved to Chicago as a young woman and built her life there where she had many cherished friends and was an active member of Chicago Catholic University Club. She loved music and was both a pianist and guitar player.  She loved to ride bicycle, cross country ski, golf, and swim in Lake Michigan right outside of her Chicago condo. She had special interests in geography, geology, and stamp collecting. With her wide circle of friends she traveled and enjoyed many music and cultural events.

Elizabeth (Betty) is survived by nieces Kathy Fish (VA), Mary Riley (AZ), nephews Robert Riley (MN) and John Riley (IL) as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

Her life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial on September 14, 2016 at 11:00 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hudson WI.  Burial will follow at St Patrick’s Cemetery where she will rest for eternity with her parents, Mike and Bessie. Memorials are preferred; either St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hudson WI or DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60604. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.