Dorothy (Dottie) Mae Williams Riley

Riley, Dorothy “Dottie” Nee Williams Beloved Wife, Mother, Nana Dorothy (“Dottie”) Mae Riley, 84, born in Minneapolis, was called home to be with Our Lord on January 16. Preceded in death by father, Earl Williams; mother, Myrtle; and brother, Melvin. Survived by loving husband, sportswriter, Don Riley; daughters, Sheila Riley Becker (John), Shannon Riley (Joe Genereux); and by grandchildren, Riley and Ian Becker, Madeleine, Mia and Olivia Genereux. A devoted wife, mother and Nana, Dottie lavished affection on her children and grandchildren. She was the consummate hostess and warmed a room with her smile and brilliant blue eyes. A graduate of St. Margaret’s Academy and the University of Minnesota, Dottie studied music and nursing. She was a vocalist with a popular Minneapolis troupe and a finalist in Arthur Godfrey’s national radio contest in New York City. She loved her sorority, Kappa Delta - representing it at two national conventions. For years Dottie was a top Twin Cities petite runway and print model. She sang for Chicago-based “Double Daters” which toured the US and later held leading roles in St. Paul Opera Company productions of “Merry Widow”, “Carousel” and “The Student Prince”. Avid travelers, Dottie and Don journeyed to Europe 11 times. They enjoyed favorite spots in the British Isles, Greece, Montserrat, St. Croix, Madeira in the Atlantic and Hawaii, along with winter sojourns to Florida and Arizona. Dottie adored her husband, daughters, grandchildren and friends whose memories will keep her playful, gentle spirit alive. Heartfelt thanks to Ecumen Seasons of Maplewood and the Ramsey Care Center for their loving care. Contributions to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. are appreciated. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 AM Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake with visitation 1 ½ hours prior to the time of the Mass at the church. Interment Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery.