Senator Catherine I. Riley

Senator Catherine Irene Riley, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 30, 2024. A life-long resident of Bel Air, Cathy was the daughter of the late F. Worth Riley and the late Catherine {Kitty} Cain Riley. She was a 1965 graduate of Bel Air High School. She was a talented athlete and developed many lifelong friendships there. Field hockey was her favorite sport and Bel Air took the County Championship her senior year. She was the first-string goalie for the Towson Tigers. She graduated from Towson with a B.S. in Biology.

Cathy descended from two politically active families long involved in the Harford County political scene, she worked the polls at age 7 and never lost her enthusiasm for public service. In 1970 at age 23, Cathy ran for the Democratic Central Committee, the only woman against 12 men seeking 6 slots. After an enthusiastic campaign, she finished 7th, a surprise finish that set the stage for a successful run for the House of Delegates in 1974 at 27!

Using her degree in biology, Cathy worked at City Hospital in bacteriology for several years. Winning a House seat representing District 34, she committed to being a fulltime representative. She maintained a high standard of integrity throughout her career. She served on the Environmental Matters Committee and used her biology background to help craft farsighted laws to protect the Bay. In 1982, she was the Chair of the Md-Virginia Chesapeake Bay Commission established by a law she authored in 1980. Cathy was instrumental in the building of Camden Yards. In her 16 years in Annapolis, she served on committees of great influence, including the Finance Committee and Budget and Taxation Committee.

Senator Riley was dedicated to serving her constituents. She helped thousands of residents resolve their problems. She worked across the aisle to help everyone! In 1990, she began 20 years of teaching Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. 

In 1995, she worked with Governor Glendening on his legislative lobbying team. She was appointed by him in 1999 to serve on the Maryland Public Service Commission and headed it in 2000.

Throughout her life, Cathy was a devoted friend/relative who always listened. She devoted her life to the service of others. She will be missed by so many people who were proud to call her a friend. 

Cathy is survived by a sister and three nephews. She also leaves behind a multitude of dear friends and relatives who have been supporting and loving her for years.

For those wishing to send memorials, please indicate the donation is in memory of Catherine Riley and forward them to Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna or The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.