Pioneer dies, aged 99
Peninsula Village Nursing Home resident Ms Eris Riley, formerly of Booker Bay, died on Wednesday, October 26, aged 99.
Ms Riley was the wife of Rupert Riley and mother of Valda, Nonie and Winston.
Ms Riley worked with her husband for many years in the 50s and 60s managing the Ettalong Cinema, owned by the Riley brothers, with her two daughters working as usherettes and her son as the projectionist.
The old Ettalong Cinema was located where the Ettalong Senior Citizen Centre now stands.
Eris was born at Brewarrina near Bourke on May 15, 1912.
Her father, Hedley Davey, was the local pharmacist and mayor while her mother, Kathleen, passed away from tuberculosis when she was 13.
In the 1930s, Eris's father opened a pharmacy in Woy Woy where Bruce Kerr Real Estate now stands.
She married Rupert Riley in 1938 and was a foundation member of Everglades Golf Club.
In 1957, she was the first ladies' captain of the club.
Eris is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Letter, 8 Nov 2011
Valda Riley-Smith, Woy Woy