Carole Ann Maher Riley

Carole Ann Maher Riley, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2021. Born in Lawrence, MA, Carole’s early years were spent in Lawrence and Methuen before her move to Milford, NH in 1952 where her family re-opened the legendary West Street Grocery. Carole attended Milford Middle School and Mount Saint Mary Seminary before receiving her masters degree in education at Antioch University in Keene, NH. She taught at Head Start programs before her tenure with the Milford School district where, for 30+ years, she is best remembered as a beloved first grade teacher. Revered as an educator, Carole was a champion for children of all backgrounds and abilities. She never stopped learning and expanding her efforts as a teacher, attending extended trainings like literacy workshops with renowned authors and illustrators. She was an innovative and compassionate educator who worked tirelessly to engage children in a lifelong passion for learning and self-confidence. Carole’s training with NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) led her to advocate and teach safety programs for the students in the Milford School District. Her safety and self-defense program for Milford Middle School children was awarded the Kenpo Karate Award in 1985. Over her years as an elementary school teacher Carole was instrumental in bringing in experts from the legal and psychological fields as well as victim witness advocates to educate the district teachers and staff. Carole was known for both her kindness to humans and animals and was a true friend to all. Carole was an animal lover who adored her Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Carole deeply cherished her Irish heritage, and was passionate about its customs and culture. She traveled to Ireland with Milford Area Senior High School and later three times with her husband Dale to trace her family tree. Carole’s love of music included everything from Bob Dylan to Beethoven and she could be found attending concerts, plays, ballets and art exhibits in Boston, Western MA, New York City and beyond. The family would like to thank the staff of Bedford Falls and Brookhaven Hospice who took such excellent care of Carole and loved her deeply. We are forever grateful to you all. Carole is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dale Riley, two daughters; Alexandra Riley and her husband Chris Giacapuzzi, Orianna Riley and her husband Remy Weber, five grandchildren; Noah Pitts, Ivanushka Byrde, Sterling Weber, Rainer Weber, Rebecca Silveira Giacapuzzi and brother David Maher and his wife Kathleen Maher, niece and nephew; Colleen Maher Canaway and Tim Maher, as well and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Carole Riley’s memory to Bridges: Domestic and Sexual Violence Support, 16 Elm Street Suite 2, Milford NH, 03055, ph 603-6729833, bridgesnh.org. Visiting hours are on Thursday, November 11th from 4:00-7:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 12th at 10:00am in St Elizabeth Seton Parish, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH. All are welcome to attend. A private burial for the family will immediately follow.