August 14, 1949 – May 25, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Maria Joanna Riley. Maria, age 75 years, died peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital on May 25, 2025 after suffering a stroke.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Helena (Jason), and grandchildren, Sofia and John. Maria is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Chris (Wanda), and her nieces, Monika (Dan) and their children Nina and Felix; Danusia (Tim) and their children Clio and Zadie; Krysia (Simon) and their children Benjamin, Milo, and Ralph; and Aleksa. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Jan and Jadwiga Grzesik, and her beloved husband Leslie Riley.

Maria was a dynamic, energetic person with a real zest for life. She loved to travel. Maria ticked off bucket list destinations such as Japan, South Africa, Iceland, Turkey, and Peru, to name but a few. Maria’s primary passion was her family and friends. She was a devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Maria’s favourite thing in the world was being surrounded by loved ones. She will be deeply missed, yet lovingly remembered by family and friends.

Maria will also be sorely missed by past and present work colleagues. She started as a translator at H.A. Simons, an engineering consulting firm, in 1975. Over the years, the company name changed as well as Maria’s roles until she became a Senior Project Controller at Wood Canada. Maria was months away from reaching her 50th anniversary with the company.

After suffering her stroke, Maria received outstanding care from the doctors and nurses at Lions Gate Hospital’s Neurology Department. The family wishes to thank everyone involved with Maria’s care in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Maria’s memory to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation – Neurology.