Janis L. Riley

Salem - Janis Leigh Riley, 72, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at her residence.

Born on June 6, 1952, in Rochester, NY, Janis was the daughter of the late Elmer and Margaret (Brizee) Nill.  She graduated from Irondequoit Schools and received her Master’s Degree in English Literature from Nazareth College. Janis was a teacher in the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District, where she inspired many students.

Janis was deeply passionate about horses. She was a proud member of various horse organizations and equestrian teams, and her love for horses was a defining part of her life. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, reading, and sailing on Lake Ontario with her beloved husband, Phillip.

Janis’s family was the center of her world. She is survived by her devoted husband, Phillip Riley, whom she married in May 2005; her children, Sarah (Jeremy) Runion of North Greece, NY, Timothy (Angela) Thompson of East Rochester, NY, Jon (Nichol) Thompson of Cary, NC, and James W. (Alex) Riley of Webster, NY; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Parker Riley, Finnegan Riley, Emily Thompson, Madison Runion and a grandchild soon to be born, Hayes Riley.  She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Nola Riley and Kaylee Riley.

She was predeceased by her parents, and step-son, Phillip Thomas Riley, and her brother, Timothy Nill.

No services will be held.  A burial will take place in West Rockport, Maine at a future date.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Janis, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com.

The McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, Inc., in Salem, NY, is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janis L. Riley, please visit our floral store.