Anne Riley
January 7, 1944 - February 9, 2025
It is with love and bittersweet remembrance that we announce the peaceful passing of Anne Riley, also known affectionately as Queen Anne, Techno Granny, and Outlaw Annie. Anne passed away in her sleep, just as she had hoped she would. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, laughter, and a deep love for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Riley, and is survived by her devoted children: Lisa Riley (Patrick), Christine Seibel (Steve), and Mike Riley (Pam). She was also the cherished grandmother of Taylor & Mathew Seibel, Avery & Kaylee Riley, and Riley & Ashwin Petkau. Anne’s love and affection also extended to her siblings, Frank, Gloria (Doug), and Mario (Cheryl), many nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
A woman of remarkable strength, Anne faced many trials in her life. Losing her own mother at the tender age of one and then losing her husband, Jim, at just 38, she raised three children on her own, never giving up or faltering. She taught her family to push through adversity with grace, humor, and resilience. Anne’s philosophy was simple: “When Plan A and Plan B don’t work out, there’s always Plan H—’To hell with it!’”
Anne’s deep faith in God and her kindness made her a beacon of hope and comfort to all who crossed her path. Known for her directness tempered with a gentle heart, she nurtured relationships and made lasting friendships everywhere she lived. She had a great love for books, transitioning from paperbacks to eBooks with enthusiasm, and later becoming a social media enthusiast who embraced hashtags and @ tags, connecting with friends in the online community of “The Postables.”
Her intellectual curiosity was boundless. Once her children were grown, Anne returned to school, earning her Social Work diploma from Mount Royal College, and 20 years later, her Bachelor of Theology from Newman Theological College. Her career was dedicated to serving others, initially as an LPN, before making a courageous shift to serve as one of the first female laypersons to work as a Catholic Chaplain in the Federal Penitentiary System. In this role, Anne was known for her deep empathy and strong spirit, forming bonds with both inmates and colleagues alike.
In her personal life, Anne was a passionate quilter. Her vibrant and beautiful quilted art pieces became a beloved part of her family’s legacy, and she fostered a community of quilters who supported one another and traveled together to share their craft. Her quilts were not only works of art, but symbols of her generosity, as she and her quilting group created quilts for cancer patients and most recently with her friends the “Mad Hatters” knitted countless toques for the homeless.
Anne’s legacy will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unyielding faith. She was always ready to offer her time, her love, and her wisdom to those in need. As we bid farewell to Anne, we find comfort knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her parents, her husband, and dear friends, enjoying a slice of pizza, sipping Frangelico, and ending her meal with ice cream “to settle her stomach.”
We will carry her memory with us always, savoring the lessons she taught us, the pasta she so lovingly prepared, and the bread she shared to soak up the sauce and not to be forgotten the salad that always comes last. Heaven has truly gained an extraordinary angel.
God bless you, Anne. Your love and light will live on in our hearts forever.
Prayer Vigil will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church at 7 p.m. A Service will be held at St. Anthony’s Church on February 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. Celebration of life to follow at St. Anthony’s hall.
