Kathryn Jean Riley

Madison-- Kathryn Jean (Field) Riley was welcomed by her husband, son, parents, and sisters into the hands of God on November 4, 2010.  Born in Kilbourn (now Wisconsin Dells), Wisconsin on September 22, 1921, the third daughter of Henry A. Field and Georgia (Coakley) Field.  She attended   Edgewood College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in1942 with a degree in Communication Arts.  While at the university, she was active in the Alpha Phi sorority, Zeta Phi Eta professional speech sorority, and the Wisconsin Players.  Jean met her true love John while she attended Edgewood College. Jean taught speech and English at Richland Center High School while her fiance Attorney John Riley served his country.  Jean and John were married in 1944. There loving partnership lasted over 56 years until John's death. They were blessed with five children: Michael, Jim, Steven, Tim, and Trish (Edwards). Jean's love of music quickly produced an interest in theatre where she gave freely of her time and talents. A founder of Children's Theatre of Madison, Jean was past president. She served on the Advisory Board to the Architects of Madison, Civic Center, as well as the Madison Civic Center Foundation Board.  She contributed her talents to the Zeta Phi Eta story tellers and the cable TV program Theodore Bear & Co.  Jean was a member of Children's Theatre traveling company and played Winnie the Pooh for 25 years traveling to Alaska, London, Canada, and New York delighting scores of children and adults alike.  Jean was equally active in community service as a volunteer in WI Diagnostic Center ,UW Children's Hospital , and St. Mary's Hospital.  She was the founder and past president of Jr. Woman's Club of Madison. While President of the Jr. Woman's Club, Jean received a national award for her contribution to the Portal Foster School. Jean has held offices in the following organizations: Lawyers Wives of Dane Co., Alpha Phi, Zeta Phi Eta, Panhellenic, Catholic Woman's Club, Civics Club, and Dane County Republican Party.  Retired from Stark Realty Co., Jean was a member of the Million Dollar Club and served both on local and state committees of Realtors Board and Executive Board of South Central Wisconsin Housing. Despite her many civic and philanthropic activities the center of Jean's life was her family. Her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother provided her greatest joys. Those who know Jean know her as a strong, vibrant, outgoing, enthusiastic person whose trade marks were laughter, and a good story often poking fun at her self. Her family and legions of friends will miss her love and encouragement as she often wrote notes to tell them of her love for them. Jean will be remembered for her positive attitude, strength, and never ending sense of humor in the face of tragedy, challenge, and despair. Her devotion to her Christian faith, family and her values of love, loyalty, and discipline serve as a model for her family. Those who knew her felt blessed to be included in her remarkable life. 

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Attorney John L. Riley, a son, James W. Riley, and three sisters, Sr. Mary Field, Carol Hoppe, and Patricia Bannen. Jean is survived by her children, Michael (Mary) of Madison, Steven (Kathi) of Cary, IL, Tim (Joanne) of Stoughton, and Trish(Scott) of Burlington, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a brother, Attorney Henry A. Field, a sister, Theo ""Cece"" Smyth, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison on Monday, November 15, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Monsignor Michael Burke and Father David Carrano will officiate. A visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass. A luncheon will be served at the church following the services. All friends and family are invited to the celebration of Jean's life.