Laureen (Conlin) Riley

Laureen “Lori” Elizabeth (Conlin) Riley, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, August 18th, at the young age of 60, after a hard fought battle with a terminal illness. She left this life with the ones she loved gathered at her bedside.   Lori, originally from the Columbus Park area of Worcester, is the daughter of Daniel and the late Carol (Sloan) Conlin. A graduate of the class of ’73 from Burncoat High School, Lori was a standout cross country and track & field competitor. Her athletic accomplishments in high school had a profound impact on woman’s sports. She was a pioneer in progressing equality for women looking to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports, like track & field. As a young teenager, Lori pushed back against the status quo and participated in many races to prove that women could, in fact, compete with men in these competitions. Lori was as tough as they come and stood her ground on these issues. She eventually got her way and earned the respect of the greater Worcester community while doing so.   Lori pursued her passion for running as a student-athlete at Plymouth State University, where she earned a degree in physical education. For 22 years she proudly served the Worcester Public Schools as a physical education teacher. Lori also supported the community’s local sports programs as a track & field and soccer official.   Lori is survived by her two devoted sons who followed in her footsteps and also became educators, Daniel J. Riley and his wife Tracy of Rutland, Ryan P. Riley and his wife Jennifer of Holden; her father Daniel Conlin of Worcester; four grandchildren she loved dearly and found life’s enjoyment with, Alexander, Jaxson, Gianna and Milania. They will miss their “Apple Nana” everyday; her former husband, Thomas Riley of Worcester; a sister, Tricia Shreve of Rutland; a stepsister, Lee Hall of Worcester, step-mother, Linda Jackson of Shrewsbury, three step brothers, Richard Aslanian of Alexandria, VA, Barry Aslanian of Shrewsbury, and Anthony Aslanian of Worcester; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members including the entire Riley Clan; her longtime companion and best friend, Raymond “Butch” Brouillette of Holden. Lori was predeceased by her mother Carol, brothers Michael and Johnny, sister Kathleen “Taffy,” and goddaughter Eva.   Lori enjoyed many summers at Hampton Beach with her family and friends. She loved everything Walt Disney and being at her family’s lake house on Lake Quinsigamond. Lori was an accomplished tri-athlete and martial artist, earning a brown belt in judo. Her family always came first in life no matter what. She was a loving and caring soul, who will never be forgotten.   Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, August 22nd, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. Her funeral will be held Tuesday, August 23rd, from the funeral home with a procession to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, where her brother in law, Reverend Walter Riley will celebrate her funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her name can be made to the St. Peter-Marian High School athletics program, 781 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.