Obituary of Cynthia Riley

After years of battling Alzheimer’s, Cynthia (Shirley) Riley, age 82, passed away peacefully at Northern Manhattan Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 

Cynthia was born in St. Ann, Jamaica on January 10th 1941. She attended Carron Hall High School in Highgate Jamaica, and worked for the Office of The Services Commission in Kingston, Jamaica. She continued her educational dreams when she migrated to the US and graduated from New York University. In New York, she worked for New York Films Works, William Sonoma, Big Apple Greeter and Macmillan, Inc. 

Cynthia was an amazing mother of son Gary and daughter Suzette. She enjoyed her family and the company of good friends. She loved to travel and explore new things. One of her favorite memories was her trip to China with friends and trips home to Jamaica were always very special and heartwarming. New York was her home and remained a very special place in her heart.

Cynthia worshiped at Good Shepherd and The Church of the Transfiguration in Manhattan, NY. 

Cynthia was preceded in death by her son, Gary Riley and is survived by her daughter Suzette Thompson, her son in law Maurice, and her grandchildren Ava, and Cameron, and many family members and friends. 

Celebration of life for Cynthia will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 20th 2024, at The Church of the Transfiguration.

She touched the lives of many people with her warmth, unyielding love, positive and giving spirit

Cynthia had a heart of service and enjoyed serving her community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests your consideration of a donation to The Bowery Mission, which will provide services to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

bowery.org/cynthiariley