Barrie Dillon Riday, a 58-year resident of Mercer Island, Washington and 99-year summer resident of Glen Arbor, Michigan, died peacefully March 2, following a stroke.

She was born January 18, 1918 in Evanston, IL to Frank Dillon and Alice Goss Dillon.

Barrie is survived by her son Robb Riday (wife Marylou, and children Shannon Rodgers, Timm Riday and Lindsay Inglis, grandchildren Connor, Ben and Becca Rodgers), Roxanne Kilby (husband Brian, daughter Jacqueline), and Rick (wife Lani, son Danny, daughter Shayla, and grandchild Nayeli Riday). Her cousin Gene Robb, who was her long-time caretaker, as well as many members of her extended family and friends are grieving as well. Among the hardest hit by her departure is her bereft dog Jodi.

Barrie was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Alice Dillon, her beloved husband John Thompson (Jack) Riday, sisters Ananda (Tump) Bricker and Ariel Schrader, and her brother Ralph Dillon.

Barrie and Jack were married in June of 1941, following Jack’s graduation from Cornell and Barrie’s from Beloit College. Jack’s death prevented them from celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary; they had been a couple for 80 years! They moved to Mercer Island from the Midwest in 1957, having spent their early married years primarily in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

One of the original Head Start teachers in Seattle, Barrie was renowned for her affinity for and ability to connect with young children. Her positive influence on everyone she met throughout her lifetime made countless lives better. She was also a talented watercolor and pastel artist, recently winning an award at a juried art show. She was a long-time member of the Mercer Island arts association MIVAL, and the Glen Lake Artists Association. She will be remembered as well for her legendary love of dogs, birds, and chocolate.

There will be no official service, but in lieu of flowers, Barrie would have appreciated having any tribute be directed to the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, or Unicef.

The family would like to thank the staff of Providence Hospice and the staff of the ER, ICU and 3rd floor of Swedish Cherry Hill hospital for their amazing support of our family during this difficult week.