Florence Shirley (Downs) Riley obituary

Florence Shirley (Downs) Riley
1920-2018

SKOWHEGAN — Florence Shirley (Downs) Riley, 98, of Skowhegan, passed peacefully at home with family by her side on Aug. 27, 2018.
Florence was born to Lloyd Eugene Downs and Grace Mae (Simpson) Downs Gerry on July 16, 1920 in Winslow.

She was educated in Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1939. She married the love of her life, Clement Timothy Riley, on Jan. 24, 1944, and they were married until his death March 27, 1977, and she remained a faithful widow. She is now finally reunited with the love of her life.
She worked at Maine Spinning Mill for 30 years, Norwock Shoe and New Balance until her retirement at 65.
Florence loved to garden, bird watch, and was an avid NASCAR fan, following Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. She was passionate about cooking, baking, dynamite sauce and pickling. She really enjoyed her July 4 vacation with her extended Houlton family.
She was the most selfless woman many ever knew, always putting others needs before her own, and loving everyone unconditionally with one of her favorite quotes being “Blood doesn’t make you family, I love ’em all the same.”
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Clement, sisters, Francis Nelson, Jessie Smith, her grandson Kelly Bubier, nephews Forrest Smith, and Nicky Nelson, and niece Gail Nelson, special friends Anna Dam, Donald and Eileen O’Donnell.
She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Pomeroy and husband Dean of Brewer, so,n Robert and companion Pamela Battista of Skowhegan; six grandchildre,n Eddie Bubier and companion Kathleen, Carmen Hudson and companion Tim, Timothy Riley and wife Ashley, Brandon Pomeroy and companion Katie, Matthew Riley, Bobbi-Jo LaPointe and husband Jimmy; five step-grandchildren, Crystal, Darcy, Michelle, Joann and Cody; 26 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; special neighbors Don and Marie Perkins, and Ruth Blood; and her extended Houlton family who lovingly refer to her as Aunt Flo, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks to Beacon Hospice and Wendy Dicranian and staff at Skowhegan Primary Care.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Florence’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, email donors@stjude.org
Per her request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Calvary Cemetery, North Avenue, with a gathering to follow at Tim and Ashley’s home in Skowhegan.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.