Edhat StaffNov 15, 1928 –Jan. 18, 2018
Mary Lou Riley passed away peacefully Jan 18. She was born on the North Shore of Chicago where her father worked on the Chicago Board of Trade. A graduate of New Trier High School, she first came west to attend Mills College in Oakland, and after
graduating returned to work in the banking world in Chicago where she met her husband Kenneth and had two daughters. Opportunities led them to Santa Barbara in 1958 where they soon completed their family with a son, and had the privilege of enjoying heartfelt friendships in the growing community.
A dedicated wife and mother, Mary Lou applied her strong character beyond family, working on the Junior League and as a docent at the Santa Barbara Art Museum. She actively participated in the founding of Planned Parenthood in Santa Barbara and served on its board, and also on the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury as treasurer. She supported the faithful on the Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church and was class agent for her Mills College peers. She was proud to be a member of the Colonial Dames.
Mary Lou enjoyed golfing with friends and played a sharp game of bridge. And while in her later years her intellect was dulled by dementia, her sweetness shone through in a beautiful way. She is survived by her three children and four grandsons. She will always be loved.
A service will be held in her memory on Sat. March 24 at 1pm at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church in Montecito.
