Obituary of Nancy Scheneman Riley

Nancy Scheneman Riley, 74, of Ellicott City, MD, passed away on March 31, 2022, at The Gilchrist Center of Howard County in Columbia, MD. She left us peacefully in her sleep after managing a longtime illness that took an unexpected rapid progression.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Riley, of Ellicott City, daughters Lisa R. Garlick of Laurel, MD and Jennifer L. Riley of Ellicott City, and sister Linda S. Moreau of Port Charlotte, FL. She is proceeded in death by her parents Ernest E. and Wildred L. Scheneman.

Nancy was born in Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD of December 18, 1947. She was a 1965 graduate of Catonsville High School. She attended Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio before transferring to the University of Maryland College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in piano performance in 1970.

In her early career she taught piano class in the Baltimore County School System as well as private lessons. She was a long-time member of the Music Teachers National Association as well as the Howard County Music Teachers Association where she was the Chairperson for many piano recitals and competitions at Howard Community College and the University of Maryland. She received an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the HCMTA in 2010 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the organization.

While music was a part of her professional life, she was a loving mother to her daughters as they were the center of her life. She was very competitive and loved playing games, especially bridge and racquetball, where she won a women’s A championship in Champaign, IL, and the Court Club in Columbia, MD. Nancy had a true zest for life and being around people as she was a neighborhood organizer for holiday celebrations, parties, and progressive dinners. She loved children and opened her home as a local gathering for all the youngsters in the neighborhood.

Nancy’s warm welcoming, and compassionate nature impacted the lives of countless individuals. She loved and embraced everyone fortunate enough to cross her path and was willing to generously extend a helping hand to those in need. Her vivacious, lively spirit was truly infectious and will forever live on within us.

Join us for a celebration of Nancy’s life on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11am at the Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Road in Catonsville, MD) where she was a lifetime member. If you would like to greet her family, a visitation prior to the service will begin at 10:30am.

Nancy’s family is holding a private burial at Loudon Park Cemetery, 3620 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229. Loudon Park Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity. Her family extends their sincere gratitude to The Gilchrist Center of Howard County for their loving care during her final days.