Blanche B. Riley

HAGAMAN - Blanche B. Riley, 90, passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Sunday, December 26, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Blanche was born in Albany on February 12, 1931, the daughter of the late Harry and Blanche (Saulpaugh) Murphy. She was raised and lived in Menands for many years and later moved to Schenectady. She was a graduate of the Vincentian Institute in Albany and the Spencer Business Institute in Schenectady. She worked for over 20 years with the NYS Board of Elections before retiring. She loved to read and visited the Amsterdam Free Library frequently. She had a great sense of humor and a passion for crossword puzzles. She was also unbeatable at Scrabble. Her laugh was pleasant and her wisdom was always welcomed. Although Blanche never drove, she used the public transportation for work, shopping and for her personal errands.

Blanche is the loving mother of Robert Riley (Dawn), Linda Piel (Robert), Patricia Kinowski (Arthur), Michael Riley (Kelly), Joseph Riley, Thomas Riley (Cara) and Lori Davis (Gary). Devoted sister of June Freda, Kathleen Clemenzi, Albert Murphy (Bonnie), and John Murphy (Sharon). Sister-in-law of Beverly Murphy. She is also survived by her cherished 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, a ninth due in March 2022, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Harry Murphy; brothers-in-law, Peter Freda, Arthur Clemenzi, and George Riley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and Ray Collins; and her grandson, Ericc Riley.

A special thank you to Patricia and Arthur Kinowski for the in home care that they provided to Mom in her later years at their home. A special thank you to her home health caregiver, Lisa Wolz for her compassionate and loving care that she gave to Mom in her last year of life.

At the request of Blanche, services will be private at the convenience of the family.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewComerAlbany.com