Bernadette Lucille Riley Riordan, 98, beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Bryan, Texas with Monsignor John C. Malinowski celebrant.
Bernadette was born March 10, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York to Patrick Joseph Riley and Teresa Williams. She was a graduate of Bishop McDonald High School and St. John’s University (Magna Cum Laude), New York City, NY. Following graduation from St. John’s University, she reconnected with Jim Riordan, the love of her life, while employed by American Airlines. Bernadette and Jim were married on October 30, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. They raised their four children in Richmond Hill, New York until 1967 when American Airlines transferred Jim and the family to Arlington, Texas. Bernadette and Jim resided together in Arlington where they lived a full and love-filled life until Jim’s death in 2008. In 2012, Bernadette moved to Bryan, Texas to be closer to family.
Bernadette was a member of the Arlington Woman’s Club, the American Association of University Women, St. Maria Goretti Altar Society as well as an active volunteer with the American Red Cross. She loved ballroom dancing, traveling, bridge, trips to the beach and spending time with family and friends.
Bernadette was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Riordan; her parents and her sister, Agnes Tozzi. Bernadette is survived by her son, James John Riordan, Jr. of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughters, Peggy Tooley (Donna) of Keene, Texas, Joanne Patranella (Michael) of Bryan, Nancy Thompson (James) of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Sean A. Riordan (Salli), Matthew L. Riordan (Amy), Lucille J. Patranella, Joseph R. Patranella and Anessa C. Soto (Joel); great-grandchildren Joseph Michael Dubon and Anabelle Curl Soto; and numerous nieces and nephews. There are no words that could fully describe how much she was loved, how much she inspired others, and how very much she will be missed.
The family would like to acknowledge with appreciation the caring and compassionate staff at both Carriage Inn and Hospice Brazos Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to Society of St. Vincent De Paul and Hospice Brazos Valley.
Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers Bryan-College Station.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com.
