Mary Jane Riley

Mary Jane (Penza) Riley, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on April 27, 1935, she was the beloved daughter of the late James and Mary (Bothwell) Penza. 

Jane, as her family lovingly called her, was raised in Norwood before moving to Portland, Maine during her junior year of high school. She graduated from Deering High School with the Class of 1953. While the transition to a new town may not have been easy, it proved to be life-changing. One fateful evening at a dance in her new hometown, Jane met the love of her life, Philip “Eddie” Riley. The two were married on November 6, 1954, beginning a remarkable partnership that would span 62 years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. 

Jane and Eddie began their married life in Portland, where they started their family, before returning to Massachusetts in 1961 to settle in Walpole. There, they built a life rooted in family, community, and tradition, remaining in Walpole for the rest of their lives. 

While Eddie worked outside the home, Jane was the heart of it- gracefully managing a busy household and raising their five children with boundless love and dedication. She created a home filled with warmth, where homemade lunches were packed each morning with care and evenings were spent gathered around the table sharing stories over her delicious, from-scratch meals. Jane’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a constant and steady presence for many, helping to raise grandchildren, great-nieces, and nephews, any child lucky enough to be in her life. She had a special fondness for babies and took immense joy in nurturing and caring for others. 

Her devotion to family also included caring for her beloved mother, Mary, in her later years, something Jane considered a true honor. Their bond was one of deep friendship and love. 

As her children grew, Jane embraced new chapters in life. She worked as a secretary at John Hancock, where she enjoyed being out in the world while still remaining deeply connected to her family. In her free time, she found simple joy in window-shopping, often visiting her favorite stores just to browse and see what was new. Though she and Eddie enjoyed traveling together, their greatest happiness was simply being at home, looking out the front picture window together. 

Becoming a grandmother brought Jane immeasurable joy. Known affectionately as “Gig,” “Grammy,” and “Gramma,” she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love, laughter, and gentle care. 

Beloved wife of the late Philip Edward "Eddie" Riley. 

Loving mother of Philip E. Riley Jr. and his wife Arlene Prizant-Riley of Natick, James P. Riley and his late wife Linda of Walpole, Pamela J. Buckley and her husband Daniel of Naples, Florida, John F. Riley and his wife Marlene of Wrentham, and Mary Ellen Plaut and her husband Wayne of Rehoboth. 

Cherished grandmother of Michael Plaut, Melissa Buckley, Matthew Buckley, Kaela Riley, and Jesse Riley, and great grandmother of Connor Plaut. Loving great aunt to Robin Penza, Liam Penza, as well as Eli Penza-Clive and Anna Penza-Clive. 

Also survived by her brother Dr. James Penza and his wife Sandra of Hingham, and their daughters Kristin and Susan, her brother Kenneth Penza of Walpole, as well as many other extended relatives, and friends. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jane's visitation on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, at 11:30 AM, with interment at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jane's name may be made to one of her favorite charities. Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting their website at https://www.stjude.org/. Jane was a monthly supporter of Saint Jude, for many many years.