Carolyn Riley

Carolyn Lee (Lowman) Riley, age 77, of Akron, Ohio passed away on February 15, 2018, after her courageous 4 ½ year battle with cancer. She was born on August 5, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of the late Robert (Bobby) and Lucille Lowman. She lived the majority of her young life in Maryland, including attending college at Towson University, where she met the love of her life Michael G. Riley. Mike's job took them to places like Washington DC, Roanoke and Richmond, VA, Cleveland, OH, Rochester, NY, Wilmington DE and finally Akron, OH. In each city she landed, Carolyn would immerse herself in the community and make countless new friendships. They finally settled in Akron during the historic blizzard of 1977. It is here where they raised their two sons, Michael & Patrick. After moving 7 times in a decade, she found out that she was 'pretty darn good' at buying and selling homes. Akron is where she started and grew her extremely successful real estate businesses. At the peak of her success, she had as many as 52 agents working for the company. She worked with many of the Akron tire companies to help relocate families to Akron. She even worked on home-staging and decorating with John Beres. Many families still live in Beres build homes in Akron today. Although her heart always remained in Maryland, she was an established businesswoman and entrepreneur before her time. She loved playing golf and socializing with their many dear friends at Fairlawn Country Club. She was the one who knew everyone in town and was always offering a meal at her table or bed in her home. There was nothing she loved more than a good, heated conversation, the love of her family and a good laugh. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Robert and Lucille Lowman. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 56 years, Michael G. Riley; sons Michael (Betsy) Riley, Patrick (Sherri); Brothers, David (Dodie) Lowman of Williamsburg, VA, Donnie (Bonnie) Lowman of Lothian, MD; sister, Gloria (Gilbert) Hardesty of LeCanto, FL, dear friend Teresa Kormanik; three nieces and a nephew and all of their families, and her beautiful two granddaughters, Megan & Sarah Riley, whom she loved and treasured. Carolyn will be holding her last open house from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19th, 2018 at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Road, Akron, Ohio 44321. Please look for the open house sign. There also will be a private funeral and burial in Port Deposit, Maryland to be announced at a later date. The family suggests donations to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.