Gwendolin Ellis-Riley

Gwen Ellis-Riley, 76, of Maine, NY, passed away on Aug. 2, 2015 after fighting a long illness. Gwen was predeceased by her husband Frederick Ellis and brother Donald Williams. She leaves behind her loving husband and caregiver, Elwyn Riley, and children Kathy (George) Way, Frederick (Janet) Ellis, Scott (Ronda) Ellis, Lori (William) Swartout, step-children, Terri Riley, Steven Riley, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and siblings: Ronald & Marilee Williams, Ethel & Laurence Orton, Bernard Skip & Charlotte Williams, Arnold & Peggy Williams, Daniel & Anne Williams, William Bates, Sandra Valentine and Mary Galloway. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Gwen was the rock that so many leaned on---family, friends and even members of the EMS Community.She was always a very active lady from being a den mother for scouts to owning an antique store, to running with the Town of Maine Emergency Squad for more than 30 years. Her passion for helping people led to her career with Broome Emergency Services. As a teacher and class coordinator, she touched the lives of many people. In fact, many of her students called her mom and often stopped by to visit even when they did not have classes. She loved teaching EMTs how to help and save others.She often brought smiles to many people she never knew, when she took her bird Keyla, a blue and gold macaw, with her everywhere! She will be sorely missed. Gwens family will receive friends at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley, on Wednesday, Aug. 5th from 5-8 pm. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Gwens Life will be held at the Funeral Home at 10 am on Thursday, followed by burial in Allentown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider directing memorials to the Maine Emergency Squad.Memories and condolences may be written in Gwens guestbook at macphersonfh.com