The primary school class leader was among the city’s highest profile women during her husband Ken’s mayoral stint which included a visit by Prince Charles and growth tumult as Wodonga coped with decentralisation.

In addition to those roles, Mrs Riley was a partner in RBR Party Hire, a business, though under different owners, that still operates today.

Having moved to Sale in 1980 and retiring in 1992, Mrs Riley is now being remembered fondly after dying at the age of 89 on June 23.

Former Wodonga councillor Les Boyes said Mrs Riley was a “typical school teacher who had a way with people”.

“Whether entertaining royalty or handing out half a dozen chairs for a party she treated people the same,” Mr Boyes said.

He and wife Nancy joined the Rileys and Eva Reuss and her late husband George in creating RBR Party Hire.

“She was a lovable person,” Mrs Reuss said.

“She was a very dedicated teacher.”

Born Jean McDonald, she was the sixth child of a North East farming family. 

After studying in Bendigo, Mrs Riley debuted at Glen Valley School below Mitta.

While there she met Ken Riley who became her husband in 1952.

They settled in Wodonga soon after and had two children, Terry and Susan.

Mrs Riley resumed her teaching career at the school within the Bonegilla migrant camp, giving English lessons to youngsters from across Europe.

She later taught at Wodonga West, Ariel Street and Bandiana primary schools.

Her work continued in Gippsland and Mrs Riley was thanked by then Education Minister Don Hayward in a letter when she retired after 39 years in the system.

“You will no doubt look back with a great deal of pride and satisfaction in knowing that you played a role in what was very much a vital part of the development of our State education,” Mr Hayward wrote.

In retirement, Mrs Riley had a love for Landcare and received a life membership.

Mrs Riley was predeceased by Mr Riley in 1999.

Her funeral will be held in Sale on Tuesday.