Gladys E. Riley, 95, of Walpole and formerly of Portland, died April 13 at her home. She was born in Indianapolis, Ind. on March 29, 1911. She was the eldest of Karl and Edith Wolff’s five children. After graduating from Rome (N.Y.) Free Academy in 1928, she moved with her family to Portland where she lived until moving to Walpole in 1996. Gladys was happily married to Eric N. Riley from 1931 until his death in 1972. Throughout her life, Gladys enjoyed working outside the home. She was secretary to the president of Farnsworth Machine Company, administrative assistant for the American Board of Ophthalmology, and later retired from the office of the Maine Employment Security Commission. She was past president of the Woodford’s Corner Mother’s Club, and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Deering High School Band Mothers. She was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, and later, Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Newcastle. Gladys was admired for her independent spirit, quick wit, and endless energy. She enjoyed music, traveling, reading American history, doing her daily crossword puzzle, and caring for her home. She reveled in the accomplishments of her family and cherished her lifelong friendships. Gladys was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Eric; her parents Karl & Edith Wolff; and two sisters, Katherine Fellows, and Lucile Kaskiw. Gladys is survived by daughter Priscilla Smith and husband David, of Walpole; four grandchildren, Eric W. Smith of Annapolis, Md. and wife Kali, Sarah Letsky of Andover, Mass. and husband William, Miriam W. Smith of Acton, Mass. and husband Michael Acton, and Wilhelmina W. Smith of Riverdale, N.Y. and husband Mark Mandarano; nine great-grandchildren, Kendra & Mariah Smith, Carter & Maci Letsky, Riley, Lillian, & Grace Acton, and Augusto & Giovanna Mandarano; two brothers, Donald E. Wolff of Closter, N.J. and Richard A. Wolff of Venice, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services April 15 in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. Memorial service 11 a.m., Mon., May 1 at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, Newcastle. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to Maine Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330 or Saint Andrews Church, Glidden St., Newcastle, ME 04553. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Damariscotta.
