LOIS J. RILEY

Lois J. Riley, 81, Altoona, died late Sunday evening at Garvey Manor Nursing Home, Hollidaysburg.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Bertram and Margaret (Becker) Detwiler. She married James R. Riley on June 19, 1951, at the former St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, now Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Surviving are her loving husband of 61 years; four children: Christina Laraia and husband, Robert, Paula Riley, Lisa Riley-Levine and husband, Thomas, and James M. Riley and wife, Theresa, all of Altoona; seven grandchildren: Sarah (Christopher) Rhodes,  Matthew (Lindsey) Riley, Michael Riley, Max Riley, Katie Riley, Abigail Levine and Gretta Levine; a great-grandson, Xavier, whom she adored; a brother, Thomas Detwiler and wife, Karen, of Altoona; two brothers-in-law: Dave C. Riley and wife, Carol, of Altoona and Joseph J. Riley and wife, Jo Anne, of Glendale, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Maureen Schoch of Ladson, S.C.; five nephews; three nieces; five cousins; and a lifelong friend, Virginia Mearkle Martini.

Lois was a 1949 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and a former member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a homemaker who enjoyed having her family living nearby, sewing, cooking, interior decorating and especially drawing.

At the family’s request, there will be a private viewing.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 12th Avenue and 20th Street, Altoona, by Father James D. Zatalava. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 2010 12th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601, or to the Parkinson Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232. www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Lois left this message, “To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me” by Mary Alice Ramish: When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that I have had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love each have shown, but now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories in your heart. I will not be far away, for life goes on, so if you need me, call and I will come. Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near, and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all of my love around you soft and clear. Then, when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.”