Obituary & Life History

Lorraine R. Riley, 92, of Barron Lake Road in Niles, passed away at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles on March 8, 2010 with her family by her side. Lorraine...

Lorraine R. Riley, 92, of Barron Lake Road in Niles, passed away at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles on March 8, 2010 with her family by her side.

Lorraine was born on February 14, 1918 to the late Thomas and Anna (Werschey) Cronin in Chicago, Illinois. Lorraine was the youngest of 4 in the Cronin household.

After graduating from high school Lorraine went on to get her Writing Degree from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana. Lorraine wed the love of her life, Fred William Riley on May 1, 1942 at a beautiful ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles. Together they had 2 children.

Lorraine’s faith was always a priority in life. She was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Niles from its inception. Fred and Lorraine started the Fred W. Riley Company, and the two of them worked hand in hand to supply equipment to the area for water and electrical distribution. Prior to working at the Fred W. Riley Co. Lorraine also worked at the South Bend Tribune as a writer for the Society News Section, wrote several children’s books, including one that was completely in rhyme that she was working on when she passed away, and in her later years she even helped her daughter raise Hackney Ponies. Lorraine loved spending time in the summer vacationing at her summer home in the Les Cheneaux Islands.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Anna, husband Fred and siblings; Thomas Cronin, Annette Kenny and George Cronin.

Lorraine is survived by her children Christine Riley of Niles and Patrick Riley of Cedarville, Michigan, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and beloved dog Buhbuh and cat Gary.