Maggie Riley

Margaret A. Riley, 68, of Atlanta, Georgia formerly of Bloomfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers, on July 29, 2019 in Bloomfield after a courageous battle with cancer. Maggie was born on July 2nd, 1951 in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Laurence S. and Margaret S. Riley. Maggie attended Northwest Catholic High School, graduating in 1969. Maggie was an accomplished nurse practitioner dedicated to palliative care nursing as a means to humanize the healthcare system. She began her nursing career at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as Head Nurse Manager after completing her BSN in nursing at Saint Louis University in 1973. She continued on to Hospice Atlanta as a Nurse Case Manager, furthering her education at Emory University with a Master of Nursing in 1984. She was the Creator and Director of the Oncology Program at Saint Joseph’s Hospital until 2007 graduating with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree and Palliative Care certification in 2006 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her career in Oncology Palliative Care brought her to the Grady Health System from 2007 until 2010 and then on to the Atlanta VA Medical Center in 2011 until her retirement in 2018. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Palliative Care in 2017 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While her career accomplishments are numerous and noteworthy, Maggie’s family and friends will remember her for her interest in their personal and educational growth. She was a strong advocate for those who sought to improve their lives and humanity and for those who provided public service to their communities. Her warmth and kindness touched many people from Georgia to New England. Her deep love of people was reflected in how Maggie engaged her family and friends in sincere and intimate conversations about the important activities in their lives. Her selfless nature and curiosity about others was always kind and supportive. Her heart had no fear. Maggie marveled at those who were gifted working with their hands, and she would speak of exceptionally skilled nurses, a grandfather who held a pin factory job, and the artistry of carpenters who handmade items like furniture, quilts and jewelry. Maggie’s own artistry was that of generously giving her time to support others in need such as volunteering with Camp Sunshine for many years, travelling and visiting family members, and mentoring others in the healthcare field, selflessly sharing her knowledge and experience. As Maggie reflected on her life, she acknowledged all of her friends and colleagues in Atlanta for their generosity and support, referring to them as her spiritual home. Likewise, she wanted to give a special thanks to Dr. Richard Macchia for his loving support and medical expertise. These loving caring people were not only critical to her healthcare management, but also impactful to her positive attitude throughout. Maggie is survived by her brothers William L. Riley (Sarah), Michael S. Riley (Gail) of Bloomfield, Connecticut and sister Lauren M. Roy (Mick) of North Yarmouth, Maine. As well as brother-in-law James Emswiler (Mary Ann) of Hamden, Connecticut. She is preceded in death by parents Laurence S. and Margaret S. Riley of Bloomfield, Connecticut, sister Mary Riley Emswiler of Guilford, Connecticut and brother, Denis N. Riley of Bloomfield, Connecticut and many dear relatives. Maggie was a devoted aunt to Maura A. Riley, Daniel L. & Melissa Riley, Patrick J. Emswiler, Gregory L. & Malerie Emswiler, Katherine M. Emswiler & Jesse Acini, Andrea S. Riley & her mother Theresa M. Mahoney, Brianna C. & Christopher Deroche, Kayla M. Roy & Tai Burgess, Julia M. Roy, Brendan V. & Nancy Riley, Taylor L. Riley, Danielle M. Riley & fiancé’ Mark Sperandio, Colleen M. Riley and great-aunt to Brian D. & Liam M. Riley, Eloise M. Emswiler, Hazel M. Emswiler-Acini, Connor W. Deroche, Isla M. & Stella G. Riley. A wake is scheduled for Friday, August 2nd from 5-8pm at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, Connecticut. Her funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd at 10am at Saint Patrick-Saint Anthony Church, 285 Church St, Hartford, Connecticut. The burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield, Connecticut. A reception will follow at the Bloomfield Center Fire Department. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Maggie's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Mercy Care Foundation, 5134 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, GA. 30341 or Camp Sunshine 1850 Clairmont Rd. Decatur, GA. 30033. Directions and online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com