Jean Irons Riley, 76, passed away peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by her loved ones, on Oct. 18, 2022, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. She lived a wonderful life.
She was born on Aug. 26, 1946, in Montclair, N.J., the daughter of the late Harvey and Loree Irons. Jean is survived by her loving husband William “Bill” Riley; her brother, Jeffrey Irons; cousin, Karen Smallman; son, Zachary Snider; daughter, Katherine Snider Tabony; stepdaughters, Erin Riley Kocourek and Kerry Riley; and five grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her brother, Nicholas Irons, and her beloved chocolate labrador retriever, Murphy.
Jean Graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1968 and a Masters of Social Work in 1990. She worked as a teacher in Monongalia County schools from 1968-77 and as a social worker in Morgantown from 1990-2006.
In addition to her career, Jean was an Iyengar yoga instructor and student at the Inner Life Yoga studio in Morgantown. She was a master gardener with the Monongalia County Master Gardener program and loved spending time working in her garden and walking outside. She was a member of Morgantown Hospice Board of Directors and the Alzheimer’s Association WV chapter Board of Directors. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sparta, N.J., and Morgantown. Jean was a devoted mother, stepmother, dear friend and neighbor and a loving wife and partner, as well as a passionate and accomplished knitter who manifested her love in beautiful warm garments.
Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. In keeping with Jean’s wishes, cremation services will take place following the evening visitation. Friends and family will be received again at the First Presbyterian Church, 456 Spruce St., Morgantown, at 10 a.m., ahead of a memorial service that will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, with the Rev. Zach Morton officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc., 714 Venture Drive PMB #121, Morgantown, WV 26508 and to the Mon County Humane Society, PO Box 390, Morgantown, WV 26507.
Condolences:
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