Elaine Riley passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025 at the Gateway House of Peace in Ballston Spa, NY.

Elaine, better known as The Big E, was born to Laura and Ward Avery on March 18,1931 and grew up in Constable, NY. She had one sister, Jean, and they shared their childhood with many foster children. She graduated from Franklin Academy in 1949 and moved to Rochester, NY where she studied to be, and later worked as, a medical secretary. She met Daniel Riley there and they married on August 14, 1954. Elaine is survived by 5 children: Margaret (Andrew Kimball) of Washington, VT; Mary of Washington, VT; Robert of Clifton Park, NY; Terry of Ballston Spa, NY; Catherine of Schenectady, NY, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her husband of 70 years, Dan, passed on September 18, 2024.

Elaine was a kind, hard working and devoted mother and could be a fierce advocate and protector when needed. She almost always agreed to our requests for yet another pet and we grew up with quite the menagerie of animals. We had many dogs and cats, but some were not the typical household critters - mice, anole lizards, ducks, pony, horses, squirrels. She did draw the line on a descented skunk and the alligator. Her greatest desire was for her children to have happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Elaine would always ask how she could be of help. She never, ever, put herself first. She volunteered for 25 years at St John's/St. Ann's Welcome table and also for many years at Schuyler Ridge Nursing home. Mom loved to dance, especially the Charleston. She loved her years at Lake Titus, crafting, cribbage and especially her friends and family. She was an avid thrifter and seeker of good deals!

Mom had a great sense of humor and kept people laughing up until a week of her passing. She had the gift for gab and made friends wherever she went, many life-long. We never knew anyone who did not love her. She was small in stature, but big in personality!

Thank you to the loving, caring staff at the Mansion at South Union and the Gateway house of Peace for the amazing care they gave to mom in her last years.

A celebration of life will be held next spring or summer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either The Mansion at South Union,11 S Union St., Cambridge, NY 12816 or Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.