Jessie M. Riley, 94, of Virginia Beach passed away on February 25, 2023.  Jessie was born and raised in Queens, New York to parents Nicholas and Jeanette Wahl, as one of three children including her twin sister Jean Stewart and her big brother Nicholas Wahl. She graduated from John Adams High School and started her career as a Secretary at Chase Manhattan Bank where she met and married her bank officer husband James R. Riley of New Jersey.  She went on to dedicate her life, love, and time to her husband and six children.  She also did foster care, providing a loving temporary home for newborn babies.  She was an active, present mom, a Girl Scout Leader for two troops, and a volunteer for PS 63 elementary school, working with the special education department for many years.

In 1988 as her husband retired early and most of her grown children left the nest, Jessie and Jim relocated to Virginia Beach.  She worked as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and also worked as a long-time volunteer in the Green Run Elementary School Library.  In her early senior years, she helped care for several grandchildren.

She excelled at cooking, baking, knitting, and crocheting.  She loved her dogs, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her six children: Linda Sappington, Ginny Posid (Joe), Kathy Brown (Bob), Jean Danowski (Paul), Jim Riley (Claudia), and Richard Riley in addition to eleven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and six nephews and nieces.  She will be greatly missed by her family.    She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.

Following cremation, her mass and interment will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Virginia Beach on Saturday, March 18 2023 at 11 a.m.  A celebration of Life and reception lunch to follow in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Hospital or any local animal rescue.