Joan Riley

Joan E. (Harrigan) Riley, 78, died Thursday, March 21, at the Merrimack Valley Hospital after a lengthy illness.Born in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late, Leo E. and A. Ethelyn (Spaulding) Harrigan. She attended St. James Grammar School and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1952.Mrs. Riley was employed at the Stevens-Bennett home, Penacook Place, and Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital. She previously worked in retail for the J.J. Newbury and Mitchell &amp Co. in downtown Haverhill. Her favorite occupation however was that of being a mother, an aunt, and friend. As for entertainment, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing BINGO at Sacred Hearts, shopping, and dining out with family.The widow of Donald E. Riley Sr., she leaves two sons, Donald E. Riley Jr., and Glenn A. Riley and his wife, Karen, of Haverhill, twin daughters, Kathy A. Riley, of Bradford, and Karen L. Dewhurst and her husband, Benjamin, of Haverhill, a brother, Robert E. Harrigan, of Haverhill, a sister, Gladys A. Murch, of Haverhill, a brother in law, Walter Merritt, of Haverhill, and several nieces and nephews.Friends and family are respectfully invited to her funeral service on Sunday at 4:00 PM in the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (Rte. 125) Haverhill. Calling hours will precede the Funeral Service from 1:00 until 4:00 PM. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 PM in the family lot in Linwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 SARL Dr. Salem, NH. 03065.