Center Harbor, NH – Lynn O. Riley, born October 28th, 1956, in Tucson, Arizona, passed away on October 20th, 2026, at her home in Center Harbor, New Hampshire after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Lynn was a woman of remarkable spirit, warmth, and grace, and her passing leaves a space in the heart of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Born into a proud military family, Lynn carried with her the values of resilience, service, and dedication throughout her entire life. Those qualities shaped everything she touched, from her personal relationships to her professional achievements and her deep commitment to her community. Lynn built an impressive career in the banking industry, earning a reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted professional.
She rose to the position of Associate Vice President at Northway Bank and served as a Senior Mortgage Lender for multiple mortgage companies over the years. Her colleagues and clients alike knew her as someone who combined sharp expertise with genuine kindness, always making people feel valued and at ease. Beyond her professional life, Lynn poured her energy into the Lakes Region community she loved so dearly. She participated in the many activities of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and devoted countless hours as a volunteer and organizer for numerous local and national charities, including the Lakes Region Santa Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Her generosity of spirit and tireless dedication made a real and lasting difference in the lives of those around her. Lynn had a great sense of humor and an engaging personality that could light up any room. She was passionate about life and embraced it fully. She loved the thrill of motorcycling, the excitement of cheering on the Patriots on football Sundays, and the quiet satisfaction of a good book. She was happiest outdoors, whether hiking through the beautiful New Hampshire landscape, skiing New Hampshire’s majestic mountains, or cruising and exploring new destinations on her travels.
Everything she did, she did with enthusiasm and joy. Above all, Lynn was a loving mother and devoted grandmother. She is survived by her partner; John Stevens; her daughters; Katherine Allen and Dawn Pelczar; her son, Christopher Young; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Allen, Lauren Allen, Drew Allen, Derek Allen, Clara Young. and Connor Riley Young; and her sisters, Kathleen Ames and Ellen Breidenich, and brother Chad Riley. Each of them carries forward the love, laughter, and warmth that Lynn so freely shared.
Lynn was a woman of faith and a member of the Gilford Community Church, where she found fellowship and purpose. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her beautiful soul is now at peace in God’s loving care, free from the burdens of her illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Lakes Region Santa Fund or to Alzheimer’s research in Lynn’s memory, honoring two causes that reflect her compassionate heart and her personal journey. Lynn Riley was, in every sense, a beautiful soul, gracious, spirited, and deeply loving, she made the world brighter simply by being in it. She will be profoundly missed and never forgotten.
A funeral service for Lynn will be held on Friday November 6 at 11:00 at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road Gilford, NH 03249. Immediately followed by a graveside service at Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilford, NH.
Arrangements are being handled by the Mayhew Funeral Home 204 D.W. Highway Meredith, NH 03253.
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