ROCKLAND — Barbara L. Riley, 85, of Rockland, passed away of natural causes Oct. 10, 2013, at Windward Gardens Nursing Home in Camden.

Born in Portland Jan. 9, 1928, she was the daughter of Bert and Madeline Valante Riley. One of three children, Barbara is survived by her sister, Carolyn Pride of Portland. Her brother, Philip Riley of Portland, is deceased. She has several nieces and nephews in Maine and Massachusetts.

Barbara grew up in Portland's Nasons Corner and was a graduate of Deering High School. She attended Portland Art School for three years and then spent one year at the University of Maine, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Barbara attended St. Joseph's Church in Portland and St. Bernard's Church in Rockland. She was a member of the National Education Association and Maine (Teacher's) Education Association. She started her career in 1953 and taught art in the Camden School System (MSAD 28) K-8 and Rockland School System (MSAD 5) K-12. Barbara retired after teaching for more than 30 years. Besides art, Barbara was passionate about photography and animals - especially cats.

Barbara had many longtime friends, including Leone A. Knowles (59+ years), Mrs. Dawn Korzenowski (40+ years) and others including Sandra B. Shaw, the late Lucille Morrill, Marilee Robinson and Dianne Buchanan.

Private funeral arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.

Donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 or Camden/Rockport Animal Rescue League (P.A.W.S.), c/o R. Gribbel, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME, 04856.

To share a memory or condolence with Barbara's family, please visit her Book of Memories online at the funeral home.