Maureen D. Riley

Maureen D. (Kilner) Riley, 103, of Rochester died Saturday, November 22, 2025 peacefully at home. She was the wife of the late Albert F. Riley.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, daughter of the late James and Catherine (Doyle) Kilner, she moved to the United States at the age of 27 after meeting her late husband Albert while he served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

She was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, where she worked as a dedicated housekeeper for many years. A woman of deep faith, Maureen was a very spiritual person and her faith was an integral part of her life. 

She enjoyed spending time with her large group of female friends over the years, playing tennis, cooking and gardening. She also loved to travel, especially back to her home country of New Zealand where she visited on an annual basis into her 80s. A cup of tea was never far from reach, especially when paired with her beloved shortbread. She had a sweet tooth and there was always room for dessert. Ever the gracious host, she never let a visitor leave without offering a warm cup of tea or coffee and something to eat. Her home was a place of comfort and heartfelt welcome. She would always keep you on your toes, even bringing out her secret party trick, singing in Chinese. 

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine L. Riley-Keough and her husband John Keough; three sons, Albert F. Riley, Jr., Gary F. Riley, and Neil F. Riley and his wife Diane; her granddaughter, Dr. Emma Mattson and her husband James; and her great-grandson, Theodore Albert Mattson.

She was predeceased by her son, Kevin F. Riley; her sister, Wilhelmina Heath; and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Riley.

Her Funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Monday from 9-10 AM, prior to the Mass, in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen's memory may be made to Coastline Elderly Services. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.