Doris Silverthorn Riley

Doris W. Silverthorn Riley passed away on November 16, 2017 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Lakeland, FL at the age of 95 after a long and active life.

Doris was born on March 13, 1922 to the late Richard and Bertha Weiderhoef of Erie, PA.  She was one of three girls.  Both of her sisters predeceased her.   Doris graduated from Academy High School in 1940 and attended Erie Comptometer School and Erie Business College.   She married John Silverthorn on June 23, 1942 with whom she shared 60 wonderful years.  They raised two sons: Richard and James.  In 1980, after 23 years with Lord Corporation, Doris retired and she and John moved to a golf course condominium in Vero Beach, FL.   They enjoyed every day, taking special pleasure in being in the sun and warm weather while their friends in Erie were in the snow.  They were members of the Lake Shore Country Club in Erie and the Vista Royale Golf Club in Vero Beach.  She loved golfing and playing bridge, being very accomplished at both.  She was a member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach and a life member of the Betsy Ross Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  

After her husband of 60 years died in 2002, she met and eventually married Steven Riley of Erie in 2006.  They split their time between Erie and Vero Beach.  Their union brought new life to each of them.  They enjoyed bringing their individual families together into an extended family of adult children and grandchildren.  After Steve died in 2016 she moved to the Brookdale - Oakbridge in Lakeland, FL to be close to her son and daughter-in-law.

Doris is survived by two sons, four step-children, and their families:  Richard (Patricia) Silverthorn of Lakeland, FL; James (Malynna) Silverthorn of Burke, VA; and step-children Michael Riley of Falls Church, VA; Kathleen Milford (Miriam Cartner) of North Kingsville, OH; Margaret Jean Bonner (Timothy) of Grove City, PA; and Steven (“Tim”) Riley, Jr. (Patty) of Erie.  Besides her eight step-grandchildren, she is survived by three grandchildren: Karin Silverthorn of Raleigh, NC; Jeffrey (Meghann) Silverthorn of Parker, CO; and Amy Silverthorn of Apex, NC who is engaged to be married to Sean Delaney.  Doris's wish was to be present at her granddaughter's wedding next June.  Her presence will be felt and her spirt captured in the heart of her sons, daughter-in-law’s, and grandchildren.

Friends may call on the family on Sunday November 26th from 2-5pm at Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10^th St. and on Monday November 27^th from 9:30 until the time of the service at 10:30am at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 5440 Washington Ave, Erie, PA 16509, with Pastor Charles McClung presiding.  Burial in the Fairview Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials may be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children at 1645 W. 8th St, Erie, PA 16505.   Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com