Joan Riley

Passed away peacefully on 30th November 2024 while holding her daughter Alison’s hand, and listening to a cd of a birdsong.

Joan aged 87 years of Great Harwood, was the dearly loved wife of the late Terry, much loved mum of Alison, dear sister to Derek and Kathleen, Auntie and friend of many.

Joan was a former care home worker, where she helped to look after the elderly residents and also did kitchen and cleaning duties as well.  She had a range of jobs over the years, including cotton weaver, factory canteen worker, hotel chamber maid and shop assistant.

Joan was a keen animal lover, and the family home was known to have accommodated rabbits, budgies, hamsters, fish, cats, a dog, and even very temporarily a ferret, which survived on cat food until she managed to re-home it.

Joan enjoyed visiting new places and took a trip to Russia in the 1970’s during the age of communism when people from the west didn’t really go there.  She also latterly enjoyed holidays in Greece, Italy and Spain with her husband Terry, where they enjoyed trying all the different foods and especially the cocktails!

Joan was very sociable and a prolific reader, always at the library.  She secretly possessed quite a dark humour, and would have been very amused if she had known that her room number at Spring Hill care home was 101, as in the George Orwell novel “Big Brother”.

She was an optimist and fighter up to the end, and will be fondly remembered by many many people.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested in memory of Joan on behalf of Alzheimers Society.  To make a donation, please click the blue donate button at the foot of this page.

Please feel free to leave a message for Joan’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

 

Louise and Joan

Thank you auntie Joan for being the best friend my mum could ever have. The memories you’ve shared, moments of laughter and the cheeky drinks at a lock in at the local pub. My memories of you in my younger years will always stay with me. You always smiled, always cared and enjoyed life at its best.

 

Lynne Garvey

Alison, it’s such a happy memory of our mums getting on so well at Blueberries. It’s lovely that you had a gentle goodbye.

 

Sharon Turner and family

Thinking of you Alison sending Love and condolences to all the family. It was a pleasure to have know your lovely mum. Love from Sharon, Joan and family xx

 

Gill & Sammy

Joan a wonderful lady, very independent  and always welcoming. Loved seeing Joan one Sunday her ready for the Rovers game with her friends, Joan could definitely brighten your day. Now at peace.

 

Eileen and alby

She was such a lovely lady, privileged to have known her Rip Joan xxx

 

Sue and Phillip Marais

I have such lovely memories of Auntie Joan. She was such a wonderful person. Alison thinking of you and the rest of the family and sending love ❤️ and hugs xx  RIP Auntie Joan

 

Phyllis Wilcock

I knew Joan when she came in to visit her Auntie Margaret at Deveron House in GreatHarwood, found hear a lovely lady always cheerful and had a good sense of humour. Also I can remember her saying that my husband Uncle John live’s in South Africa and has got a daughter call Susan, sadly i can it remember Susan’s mum’s name but she was related to your mum, what a small world. May she rest in peace.

 

Diana Clitheroe

Fond memories of our Joan during her stay at Woodlands where we cared for her on Cedar Grove. She always had that twinkle in her eye and beautiful smile. My partner Kaye adored her and loved getting her settled at night. Alison, you were the most amazing, loving and caring daughter any mother could wish for. Sleep peacefully now Joan. xxxx

 

Sharon

Treasured memories of a special aunty who always had a smile on her face and was so much fun to be around. Rest in peace now Aunty Joan, you’re back with Uncle Terry. Love Sharon, Mark, Libby and Lewis xxxx

 

Doreen Chadwick

Happy memories of Joan over many years.

 

Mandy

I have such lovely memories of Auntie Joan, always kind and caring with a smile on her face enjoying life. Rest in peace Auntie Joan. Love Mandy, Conrad and Thomas xxx

 

Tonie

I cared for Joan for the last 4 years of her life, and all I can say is it’s been an absolute pleasure to have cared for Joan, she was a lovely lady and a big character, who will forever be in my heart as we all loved her as our own. Her lovely daughter Alison is an amazing lady and has been a pleasure to have known over this time. Thinking of you all forever in our hearts Joany .. lots of hugs xx

 

Maureen & Mike Allison & The boys

Thinking about the Riley family today.