Margaret H. Riley

Albany-Margaret Hoffman Riley, 104 years young, entered Eternal Life peacefully Thursday, May 18, 2017 at home supported by her loving family. Margaret Lorraine Hoffman was born in Albany on January 17, 1913 to Neils and Mary Lewis Hoffman. She was predeceased by her husband William Riley in 1968, her brothers Lewis Hoffman and his wife Katherine, and Richard Hoffman and his wife Mary Jane. Margaret attended The Academy of the Holy Names and graduated in 1929. In 1933 she graduated magna cum laude from The College of St. Rose and then, in 1934, earned her Master’s Degree from Wellesley College in English. In 1934 she was awarded a scholarship to the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City where she studied under the actor Harry Irvine of England. The following summer she acted in summer stock in Booth Bay Harbor, ME. She returned to Holy Names in 1934 teaching speech and directing monthly plays. As the years progressed she taught Latin and started the Forensics Program at AHN. Margaret Riley, an extraordinary teacher and Forensics coach, devoted over 75 years to her career. She loved the students and inspired each student to develop their own unique gifts. Margaret was recognized by the New York State Forensics League for 60 years of coaching and teaching speech. In 2002 she was inducted into the National Forensics League Hall of Fame, which was the same year she received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Forum. Margaret taught at AHN, Kenwood, The College of St. Rose, and Siena College (the first woman to break the barrier there). Margaret was also active in St. Vincent De Paul Church where she served on the Parish Council, taught Sunday School and gave Communion to the sick. She is survived by her daughters Madeline and husband Richard Muise of Fair Haven, NJ, and Jean Riley of Florida, NY, and her son John Riley and wife Diane of Albany; she was the grandmother of Deborah Moore of Atlanta, GA, Pamela Kane of Fair Haven, NJ, Blithe Riley of Brooklyn, John Riley Jr of Colorado Springs, CO, Kristina Riley of Delmar, Alison Oliver of Guilderland, Erin Riley of Albany and Patrick Riley of Albany; great grandmother of Justin and Sophie Moore of Atlanta, GA, Sean Riley of Colorado Springs and Colum Ryan of Brooklyn; many nieces and nephews also survive. The family is deeply grateful to her caretakers Fay Gulla, Maria Acenas and Edna Fisher, and extend a thank you to The Community Hospice, and the many weekly visitors who enriched Margaret’s life. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Margaret’s family Sunday, May 21, 2017 4:00 to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany Funeral services Monday, May 22, 2017 at 8:45 am in McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany at 9:30 am where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Margaret in a special way may send a contribution to Partners in Education Scholarship Fund at The Academy of the Holy Names, 1075 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

Tributes

Margaret H. Riley

January 17, 1913 - May 18, 2017