Catherine A. Riley

Catherine Andrea Riley, 23, of Raymond, NH was born October 29, 1997 to Andrew (Buddy) and Susan Riley. She died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on January 17th, 2021 in Randolph, VT surrounded by family and blanketed in love. There are no words to describe the beautiful soul that was Catherine. How would you capture pure light filtering through a window in a jar? How would you bottle the smell of the ocean wave just before it crashes on the shore? It’s impossible. Trying to describe Catherine leaves us with the same impossible task. Catherine loved the beach and drew energy from its vast beauty and cresting waves. She was passionate about animals and nature and she championed environmentally friendly choices and sustainability. She cared for her plants as dotingly as a mother to a child. She loved the thrill of a bargain hunt and enjoyed thrifting as a way to combine her frugality with her drive towards conservation. She was shy and observant, cautious and thoughtful in her approach to life. She was sharp and funny with a quick wit and a careful eye. She emanated love freely to everyone she met. To those who were lucky enough to be let fully into her life we were engulfed in her love and able to bask in her light, and she knew she was loved fiercely in return. She attended Raymond High school where she served as President of the National Honor Society, student representative to the school board, and co-created Site Council to allow students a more active role in school policies and procedures. She earned numerous accolades and awards for her academic achievements and her contributions. She was a proud graduate of UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics Class of 2020, graduating Cum Laude. She had just started a job at Fidelity Investments and quickly earned a raise and a chance to test into a higher position after working there for just two months. She had a personal goal to become more active in conservation and knew a career in finance would allow her that flexibility. She is survived by her parents Buddy and Susan Riley of Raymond, NH, grandmother Susan Dole of Hampton, NH, sister Courtney and her husband Nathaniel Hibler of Randolph, VT, brother Brendan Riley of Raymond, NH, two adoring nieces and her best dog, Bailey. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few dear friends. She is predeceased by her grandparents Andrew and Emily Riley and James Dole. We are heartbroken and lost by her passing, but we see her beauty in every creature that graces us with their presence and every plant that reaches up towards the sky. We find comfort knowing she did not suffer and that she continues to be with us everywhere the light comes in. Services will be held at Brewitt Funeral Home in Raymond, NH on Saturday, January 23rd. ***There will be a public viewing from 3:00-5:00 pm*** followed by a smaller, private ceremony for immediate family members. We understand some may be hesitant to attend due to concerns about Covid-19 and we gladly accept your positive thoughts and healing wishes in place of your presence. Masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seacoast Science Center, an organization Catherine volunteered for and cared about deeply. https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/join-give/donate/ Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, NH 03870-2104 For more information, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com