Sydney
On Monday, January 30, 2023, Mary Margaret ‘Margie’ Riley, a beloved wife, mother and sister passed away peacefully in Hospice Cape Breton in Sydney, at the age of 75.
Born to the late Angus and Mary (Campbell) MacDonald on June 22, 1947, Margie grew up in Sydney with her four siblings, John (June), Stevie (Shirley), Alex (Karen) and Marie (Max). She later moved to Toronto with her sister and partner in crime, Marie, where they enjoyed many amazing years. She and Marie often spoke of their “Toronto Stories” to the rest of the family, who all enjoyed hearing about the fun shenanigans they took part in.
While in Toronto, Margie met the love of her life, Dave Riley. Not long after, the two were married and started their family. Margie and Dave have been married for the past 53 years and have stood by each other’s side through thick and thin. Together they had one son, Todd Riley (Diane) who was Margie’s prized possession. The sun rose and set on him. Margie would do anything for her son and was always there to support him through years of sports and with his personal and professional life.
After moving back to Sydney, Margie resided in Ashby until her passing. She worked at MacLeod’s Book Store, Wapo’s in Whitney Pier and later at the Spring Garden Villa. She later retired and enjoyed spending time with family, reading the paper, watching sports (especially hockey) and loved to dance – sometimes on top of chairs or even tables.
Margie was the grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren, Cassidy and Carson Riley, as well as two step-grandchildren, Ty and Nola, who she adored dearly. She was known as ‘Ginga’ to Cassidy and Carson and they shared many fond memories together especially around sporting events and Cassidy’s singing. Her niece and goddaughter, Debbie (Brad) was like a daughter to her, and they shared lots of love and many wonderful times together. Debbie’s two children, Dillon (François) and Taylor (Jordan) were also very dear to Margie’s heart, and she didn’t miss a single thing either of them did. Dillon and Taylor could listen to Margie speak for hours and were always entertained by her stories.
For those who knew Margie, it was clear that she had a very distinct wit and charm. She aways enjoyed family gatherings and she was known as the life of the party. Her sassy, sarcastic attitude was unmatched, and you always knew to expect a laugh whenever Margie was around. From brilliant one-liners to some of her famous catchphrases, Margie enjoyed poking fun at everyone around her, but always in a loving way. Family always came first for Margie and her favorite times were spent surrounded by family. Those who were fortunate enough to be loved by her were loved very dearly.
Margie is survived by her husband, son, sister, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all of her family.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Cape Breton for being so compassionate and caring for Margie during her final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of Margie to Hospice Cape Breton or Loaves and Fishes.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Margie Riley will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier, on Saturday, February 4, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Margie was a beautiful lady to all who knew her condolences to all her family
From: Sandra Murphy
Sorry for your loss
From: Dianne Pino Barr
Sorry to hear of your lose.may your many treasured memories help the family through this difficult time..RIP
From: Kevin Primmer/Gen Macleod
Dear Todd, Dave and family:
Our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers being sent to the family as you grieve the passing of Margie.
From: Dave,Mary French and Family
Margie riley passing I always enjoyed her she was so funny your many memories will help you through this
I’m so sorry to hear of Margie’s passing I alway enjoyed her she was so funny all your memories will help you through this
From: Marlene Gallivan
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, wife and sister, Margie was a fun woman who always had a smile and a funny story. Please know I am thinking of you at this time. So sorry Marie, to lose a sister is very sad.
Sincere Sympathy, Dianne Colford MacAskill, Victoria Road.
To Dave and Todd And Family So Sorry To Hear Of Margie Passing She was A Wonderful Lady You Are All In Our Thoughts And Prayers Dave mackeigan And Debbie Macivor
My Condolences to Dave and Todd and Family my heart goes out to you all I hear that she was a beautiful woman it is a very hard thing to lose a loved one especially a Mother I have loses both it hurts so bad but as times goes by you learn to live with it but you never forget but they will always be with you in spirit God love you all Sadie
To Marie And Max And Family So Sorry To Hear Of Margie Passing She Was A WONDERFUL Lady You Are All In Our Thoughts And Prayers Dave and Deb
Sending condolences to Dave and Family, so sorry for your loss..
GREAT SISTER IN LAW , SHE WILL BE REALLY MISSED >
BLAIR AND WENDY
She was a wonderful neighbor. So sorry to hear Dave and Todd.
Im so so very sorry for the loss she was a Beautiful lady big hugs to Dave NS Todd and the grandkids ans to Marie you are all in my thoughts and prayers may she R.I.P.
She was a very wonderful person. She was one of those tell it like it is people . You wanted the truth about anything she tell you. She had a bond with her family like no other. We lost touch for many years but, Marg was a friend you never could forget. Hugs to the family There is nothing as hard as loosing a loved one. Hugs to all .Valery Bobbett
My condolences 💐 Todd and family
Todd. And. Dave. And family. My condolences. To you all. Marg. Was a gem of a lady. And Todd she loved beyond. You. And Dave were her world. Big hugs.
Dave and Todd, our sincere condolences on the passing of your wife Margie and your Mom. May it comfort you all to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
So Sorry For your loss. My deepest condolences to you and the family . Big hugs to Todd and Marie and the family .
Sorry for your loss. May all your happy memories help you through this difficult time .
My heartfelt condolences to Dave and Todd on the loss of your loved one….may Margie rest in peace and God Bless her….fly high with the angels!!!!
So sorry to hear about Margie.
Condolences Dave, Todd and family
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to all family members and friends. Dave and Todd so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
I’m so very sorry to hear of her passing. My memories of her will always be of us getting ready for the dances at Debbie’s house and Margie, Marie and Grandma in the kitchen telling stories and all of us laughing.
Oh those were good times 💕
My deepest condolences to you all.
Our sincere condolences to Dave, Todd, Marie and family. She will truly be missed by all that knew her.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Todd and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Margie. She was always very kind to me when I was growing up in Ashby. She would always say hi, wave from the step and ask how I was getting along at University when she would see me.
Sending you my heartfelt condolences,
Jennifer
(a former Richmond St. kid)
Dave and family
So sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Todd and the Riley family. RIP Margie. 🙏🙏
Todd, so sorry to read of your Mother’s passing, please extend my sympathy to your Dad and family. Take care of yourself, Patsy
To you Todd, Diane and family, Dave, and all Margie’s MacDonald Family, that I grew up with, Warna and I want to extend our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dave, Todd and family,
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Marg. Richmond Street lost a legend but heaven gained an angel. I’ll always have fond memories of Marg in my childhood and wish that her memory will always be felt with fondness and a smile..for anyone who knew her. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you Dave, Todd and family.
Ahhhh Marg,
I will miss you and will be forever grateful for our closeness.
My love to Uncle Dave. I’ll be by to see you Dave. You can count on that.
Much love to Todd, you’re sweet son and our super smart cousin, and Marie and Max. Big hugs to you Marie…there were no sisters closer than you and Margie.
You don’t know such loss until you’ve had such great love.
We appreciate you Marg.
Forever yours,
Darlene Risk
Todd, Diane, Marie, Max and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she Rest In Peace.
One of the Nicest persons I ever had the pleasure of working with.Rest ion peace Marg.Condolences to Dave, Todd and Family.
Dave and Todd,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Margie. It’s been many a year since the childhood memories of our families together. May you and our families keep the memories of the great times had with her to the forefront. Through this she will continue to live on.
Aunt Margie, a beautiful twinkle in your eyes. A devilish laugh after telling a good story. Girl you will be missed by all who knew you. Dad and Alec were there to greet you with open arms I am sure. More stories, laughter and song for you. Until we meet again.
To Dave, Todd and Marie and all who loved Margie, my condolences. Love Donna
Margie, Marie & I went to Constantine Elementary School together many years ago. She was such a fun person. Very sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Todd: My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. A loss like no other.
May she rest in peace.
Todd & Family,
So very sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. The memories of all the good times and the love you shared will give you the strength to get you through the sorrow you feel now. Our deepest sympathy.
Kathy & Albert Hill
Margie was a sweet and funny lady. She always had a smile on her face when I seen her. My condolences to the Riley family, the MacDonald family and all her friends.