Our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away at home in Nampa, Idaho, on March 27, 2011, at the age of 86, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 26, 1925, to Lawrence and Ethel Ryan Burrell in Caldwell, Idaho. She spent her youth in Caldwell, graduated from Caldwell High School in 1943, attended the College of Idaho, and graduated from San Jose State College in 1947 with a degree in sociology. As a student, she was active in honor society, theater, and student government. She was employed as a social worker with the Canyon County Department of Public Assistance. She married our father, Richard L. Riordan, on January 28, 1951.

Mom was the centerpiece of our family. She loved unconditionally and treated everyone with compassion. Never concerned about herself, she maintained a tremendous outlook on life, continually focused on her family and her community. Her poise, grace, and kindness are deeply instilled in all of us.

Her parents, brother Bob, and her husband Richard, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children Rich, Nancy (Chuck Paeth) and Anne (David Vergobbi); her grandchildren Bryan Riordan, Michelle O'Connell and Clare Vergobbi; and her great granddaughter Lucy O'Connell, as well as many nieces and nephews, former daughter-in-law, Diane, and a wonderful circle of friends.

Our family wishes to thank Mom's recent caregivers, especially Melissa, who brought sunshine to her days.

As Mom loved spring, a vigil celebration of her life is scheduled for May 19, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Nampa Civic Center, followed by funeral mass on May 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Nampa, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY, 10008, or Pet Haven Humane Society, 333 Orchard Avenue, Nampa, ID, 83651, or other charities.

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