Kathleen Noretta Thompson Riley, 75, of International Falls, Minn., died Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Rainy Lake Medical Center.
Kathleen was born Feb. 23, 1937, in International Falls, Minn. She was born to parents Kife and Inez Thompson.
As the oldest of five children she grew up helping the family businesses.
Her childhood memories included swimming and Girl Scout camps.
Kathleen graduated from Falls High School with the Class of 1955. Her high school activities included cheerleading, newspaper club, student council and National Honor Society.
She was crowned Jobs Daughters Queen and attended two years of college at the University of Minnesota.
Kathleen married her high school sweetheart, Tom Riley, on June 20, 1959.
Shortly after her marriage she became a member of the Catholic church and was instrumental in the development of the Sunday School program.
Caring for her children and her home was important. As a young mother of three sons she enjoyed a house full of boys and was known as a second mother to many. One of her favorite quotes was “mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
Throughout her years she was very involved with the management and bookkeeping of the Holiday Inn and Northern Lumber. She served as treasurer for many committees and organizations.
Her passion for the less fortunate, especially those stricken with mental illnesses, led to her commitment to the Northland Mental Health Board and other mental health advisory councils.
Kathleen enjoyed activities with her friends that included investment club, bridge, golf, and curling. She especially cherished her time with her Birthday Club friends.
In her later years she enjoyed reading, her summers on Rainy Lake and her winters in Arizona.
Kathleen will be remembered as a lady with class and manners.
She enjoyed cooking large meals and celebrating Christmas Eve at her home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford Sr. “Kife” and Inez Thompson.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Tom Riley of International Falls; sons, Michael (Debbie), Scott (Tammy) and John (Katie); brothers, Clifford Jr. (Tom) Thompson, Richard (Dee Dee) Thompson and Robert (Jean) Thompson; sister, Nancy (Terry) Harala; six grandchildren, Paige and Caitlyn Riley, Madison and Megan Riley, Derek and Nicholas Riley; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at St. Thomas Catholic Church.
A visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral.
Memorials would be preferred to the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
