Mary was born in Dunkirk, NY, on April 23, 1955, to Joseph D. and Ann “Nancy” (Rogers) Riley.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s School and Cardinal Mindszenty High School, Class of 1973. While raising her family, Mary continued her education at SUNY Fredonia, graduating in 1986, where she received a bachelor’s degree. of Arts in Philosophy and English. On September 28, 1974, she married Douglas D. McPherson. The couple had been married for 47 years at the time of their death. Mary held various positions in retail, followed by 16 years at Redwing Carriage House.

Mary was a member of the American Legion Post 59 Auxiliary Unit 59. She enjoyed cooking, reading, crocheting, knitting, swimming and sailing. Mary has always had an open door policy when it comes to friends, neighbors and pets.

Mary is survived by: her husband, Douglas D. McPherson; her children: JD (Sarah Highnote) McPherson, Mariah McPherson (Lauren Gregor), Sarah (Jonathon) Wright and Ian McPherson; grandchildren: Galen McPherson, Elliott Wright and Jocelyn Wright; five siblings: Denis (late Lynn) Riley from Cocoa Beach, Florida, Bruce Riley from Garberville, CA, Brian (Claudia) Riley from Fredonia, NY, Thomas (Mary) Riley from Alameda, CA, and Brendan (Suzanna) Riley, from San Diego, Calif .; also survived by a sister-in-law, Ellen (Vince) Vacanti of Fredonia, NY; and two brothers-in-law: Gordon (Diane) McPherson, of Camano Island, Washington, and Donald (Kathy) McPherson, of Wilton, NY; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Apart from his parents. Mary is predeceased by her brother, Donald (Sarah) Riley of Petaluma, California; and her sister, Monica Choperena (Jack Reily), of Petaluma, California.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Visitations will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the LARSON TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY, where a funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Mary can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be presented at larsontimko funérailles.com.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler.