Victoria M. Riley Obituary

Victoria Margaret (McCarthy) Riley , 94, passed away on December 14, 2025. She was the daughter of Hannah (Winters) McCarthy and John (Jack) McCarthy. She was born on December 7, 1931. She was a life long resident of Gloucester having graduated from Gloucester High School class of 1949. She worked for the telephone company after graduating from high school and stopped working after she was married and had children to care for.

Margaret was known for her love of antiquing, visiting antique shops, yard sales and flea markets for the latest finds. She enjoyed reading and during the summer she spent many days at Plum Cove Beach with her three children. She loved books on the history of Gloucester and would pester everyone especially her son Brien to go find a book that turned out to not exist or was out of publication. She was a great cook and fed her family well. She hated housework and would tell everyone that she was not clean, neat and organized and was never going to be, get over it!In her later years she loved to watch murder and mystery shows on the TV and wouldn't accept that TV Guide was no longer published and no she could not get a Gloucester Telephone book.

She is survived by her three children, sons; Patrick Riley, Brien Riley and wife Lisa. Her only daughter Cathy McClellan and husband Robert. Grandchildren; Erin Villasenor, Patrick Riley, James Riley, Daniel McClellan, Sean McClellan, Jessica Riley, and William (Billy) Riley. She is also survived by six great grandchildren.

She was pre-deceased by her brother John Patrick McCarthy.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral or service. At a later date her ashes will be spread on Plum Cove Beach by her children and grandchildren as this was her specific request. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.