Honoring Marilyn Louise Riley

Marilyn Louise Riley, 90, passed away on February 25, 2025, in Olympia, Washington. Marilyn was born on November 21, 1934, in West Seattle, Washington, to Harry E. Gough and Miriam H. (Snyder) Gough.  Marilyn had a brother 9 years her senior, Robert “Bobby” Gough, with whom she shared a special bond. 

Marilyn graduated from West Seattle High School in 1952.  She attended Washington State College in Pullman, where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, before earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington Seattle in 1956.

She enjoyed classic Pacific Northwest activities such as boating, water and snow skiing, and camping, as well as tennis and bicycling. Marilyn also participated in the Girl Scouts.

A skilled clarinetist, she competed and played in orchestra and marching bands from middle school through college. She began piano as a child, developing a lasting appreciation, and continued to enjoy playing until age 90.

Marilyn was a gifted artist, talented in drawing and watercolor painting. She was also a skilled seamstress, enjoyed knitting, and created beautiful needlepoint work. Her creativity extended to culinary talents, where cooking was her way of showing love and bringing people together.

Marilyn worked in Washington, D.C., before moving to the Bay Area, where she held an administrative position at Stanford Research Institute (SRI). There, she met lifelong friends and created lasting memories, including a year-long assignment in Honolulu. SRI is also where she met Dave Riley, an English major at San Francisco State by day and SRI Security Staff by night. They fell in love and married on August 6, 1966.  They purchased their first home in Menlo Park and welcomed their first child, Kathleen (“Kathy”) in 1967, followed by Michael in 1968.  They moved to Palo Alto in 1975.  

Marilyn took several years off from work to focus on raising her children and creating a warm and nurturing home. When Dave left teaching to start his writing business, she provided part-time administrative support. Later, she joined the Peninsula YMCA as Administrative Assistant to the President, finding the role both professionally and personally rewarding.

Marilyn and Dave moved to Laguna Woods Village in Southern California for their retirement years.  Marilyn enjoyed art classes and social clubs – especially the Bridge Club, where she formed lasting friendships.

Marilyn and Dave became proud grandparents of four grandsons in the early years of retirement and enjoyed time with family. They also traveled to Europe, the East Coast, and on several cruises.

After 55 years of marriage, Marilyn’s beloved Dave passed away in 2021. Marilyn then moved to DuPont, Washington, to live with her daughter Kathy and family. Being back in Washington allowed her to reconnect with her niece Laurie and extended family, and to revisit places from her past, bringing back many cherished memories.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Kathy Roelofsen, and Mike Roelofsen of DuPont, Washington; her son, Michael Riley, and Laura Riley of Los Angeles; her grandchildren, Matthew Roelofsen, Timothy Roelofsen, Jack Riley, and Luke Riley; her niece, Laurie Weigum, along with other extended family members; and her dear friend, Sarah Howard.