Patricia R. (Riley) Minner

Patricia (Patsy) R. Minner, age 80, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  Patsy loved family and treasured spending time with them, especially her grandchildren.  She had a quick wit and a good sense of humor.  She was an avid Eagles and Notre Dame football fan.  She also enjoyed reading, traveling, spending time at Cape May Beach, and shopping (especially looking for bargains). Patsy had strong Catholic faith and was a longtime parishioner of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church.

Patsy graduated from Padua High School and St. Francis Nursing School and became a Registered Nurse.  She spent her career at DuPont as an Occupational Health Nurse, retiring after 36 years of dedicated service.  She thoroughly enjoyed working there where she provided both physical and mental support to many. 

Patsy was predeceased by her parents, Paul J. and Genevieve B. Riley, her brother Stephen P. Riley and her son-in-law, James Merritt.   Patsy had 3 children, Christopher W. Minner (Ann Anthony), Sandra Daly (Sean) and Danielle Minner (James Merritt) and four grandchildren, Em and Alex Minner, Jack and Maggie Daly.  She was the firstborn child of a large Irish family with 7 brothers and sisters:  Paul J. Riley, III (Georgianna), Michael C. Riley (Barbara), John P. Riley (Michelle), Mary Ann Kenney (William), Elizabeth G.  Riley and Timothy T. Riley (Karen). 

Family and friends may visit from 9:00AM to 10:30AM on Friday, April 5, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808.  Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM will be held at St. John the Beloved Church at 907 Milltown Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808.  Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.  

Patsy’s family would like to thank the Staff at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, especially those on the Liver Transplant team, Founders ICU and Ravdin 9 for the care and kindness they showed to our mother. 

In honor of Patsy being a transplant survivor for 13 years, memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Gift of Life Transplant Foundation and sent to:  Transplant Foundation, Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19123.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia R. (Riley) Minner, please visit our floral store.