Marie I. Riley, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Our Lady of Peace.

She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 8, 1925 and was the daughter of the George W. and Iris [Sandell] Riley. Marie graduated from St. Mary's High School, which is currently known as Niagara Catholic. She received her B.S. degree from SUC @ Cortland, her masters from the State University of Iowa, and her doctorate from Florida State University. Marie began her teaching career at Cortland. In 1963 she began teaching undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and retired in 1988. Among her many professional leadership roles, she is best remembered for her service to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and as President from 1980-1981. Throughout her career Marie advocated for girls and women's sport beginning her career on the Central New York Board of Women Officials, then serving on the Deep South Field Hockey Association Selection Committee, coaching the women's field hockey team at UNCG and chairing the National Youth Sports Coalition, sponsored by NASPE. Her many publications, professional presentations, workshops, and consultations focused on helping children become thoughtful and skillful movers. In her latter career, she worked tirelessly for the improvement of youth sport (boys/girls) and was a major influence in the direction NASPE took to address these issues. Marie was a popular speaker and workshop leader who could make you laugh and think at the same time.

Upon Marie's retirement, she relocated to her home town and became involved in the Wednesday and Friday AM Golf Leagues at Hyde Park. She also was an active volunteer at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Auxiliary and was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society at St. Mary's Church.

She was the sister of the late Lenore Scherer and Edward G. Riley.

Marie is survived by a brother in law Edward "Ted" Scherer of Lewiston, a sister in law Dawn Riley of Syracuse, NY and was a wonderful inspiration, educator, and mentor to her nieces and nephews Edward (Mary) Scherer of Coconut Creek, FL, Marie (Rus) Krause of Lewiston, NY, Tom (Anne) Scherer of Pittsford, NY, James Riley "JR" (Katie) Scherer of Encinitas, CA, Rick (Cheryl) Scherer of Lancaster, NY, Cindy (Tony) Catanio and Debra ( Don) Murphy, both of Brigantine, NJ, and Robert (Patti) Riley of Syracuse, NY. Aunt Marie's unending support and guidance influenced the direction these nieces, nephews and her 20 great-nieces and great- nephews took to become more involved in higher education and sports. She was a very loved, special and precious aunt.

The family will be present at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Cayuga and South Ninth Streets, LEWISTON, NY on Sunday from 6-8 PM.Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, with the Rev. Michael H. Burzynski officiating. Interment will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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