Amesbury - Amesbury - Janet Marie Riley, affectionately known to friends and family as Rudy or Rat, passed away on July 8, 2025, after a long decline in health.

Born on September 17, 1949, Janet was known for her infectious smile, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Janet grew up on Lake Street in Middleton, Massachusetts, where she developed lifelong ties to her family, neighbors, and community. Her early years were spent running between Lake Street and the Richardson family farm, creating bonds and memories that would anchor her for decades to come. In seventh grade, she met her soulmate, Phil Riley, and boldly declared to her best friend that she would one day marry him. She did just that, and the two remained inseparable until Phil's passing in 2022.

After earning a teaching degree from Salve Regina College, Janet spent a few years living in Danvers with Phil before returning home to Lake Street to raise their family. She raised her children next door to her parents, creating a rare and beautiful intergenerational household full of care, laughter, and love. In 2009, she moved to Amesbury, where she spent her final years living with two of her grandchildren—continuing her deep commitment to family bonds across generations.

A devoted and beloved teacher, Janet spent nearly 30 years at Howe-Manning and Fuller Meadow Elementary Schools in Middleton. Teaching was more than a job to her—it was a calling. She had a natural ability to connect with children, and many former students and their families continued to express gratitude to her throughout their lives. She was the kind of teacher you never forget.

Janet loved gardening, spending time at the beach, and sharing a good story—or some juicy gossip—over a cold beer. She adored playing cards and board games (even if she sometimes bent the rules), and her warm presence made everyone feel seen, accepted, and valued. Her sharp humor, open heart, and streak of mischief made her not only a great friend but also a lot of fun to spend time with. Friends from childhood, school, and the broader Middleton community remained close to her for life, and she to them.

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil. Together, they built a home filled with love and raised three grateful children. She is survived by her children and their partners Ben and Jon, Cory and Ned, and Jake and Katherine; and her grandchildren Sadie, Anderson, Bella, Natasha, Percy, and Pavel (and his partner Tatum). She will be missed by her sister and best friend Anne Daniels; her brother Paul Richardson and his wife Susan. She also leaves behind her much-loved niece and nephews from the Daniels (Paul, Kim and Dave), the Richardsons (Phil, Peter and Chris) and the Riley's (Cavan and Brandon). She will be especially missed by her roommates Sadie, Anderson, Ned Bolth, Cathy Riley, and Jeanne Riley.

Janet's legacy is one of loyalty, laughter, and love. Her devotion to her family, her students, and her community never wavered. She made the world brighter, funnier, and more welcoming—and Heaven will be a lot more fun when she arrives.

Visitation hours will be held on Monday, July 14th from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Mackey Funeral Home, Route 114 in Middleton, MA. Family members will say a few words of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory with a donation to support students and teachers in Amesbury through the Amesbury Education Foundation, Inc (https://www.aefionline.com/support/) or Middleton through the Masconomet Education Foundation (https://mascoef.org/donate). see www.mackeyfuneralhome.com.