Mabel Louise Riley,
the Foundation’s donor, was born in 1883 in Boston.
She was the only child of Agnes Winslow and Charles
E. Riley, president of H&B American Machine Company
in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Miss Riley was an active
patron of the arts and especially enjoyed the beautiful
gardens at her homes in Newton and Cotuit on Cape Cod.
Generous and concerned for the needs of others throughout
her lifetime, she gave regularly to numerous charities
in the Boston area.
Miss Riley died at the
age of 88 in 1971 and in her will she remembered many
relatives, friends and employees, and over one hundred
charities. The remainder of her estate was left in trust
“all for and only for public charitable uses and
purposes.”
In establishing a general
purpose foundation, Miss Riley’s only suggestion
to her trustees was that particular consideration be given
to the needs of children and youth. The Mabel Louise Riley
Foundation began operation as an active member of Boston’s
philanthropic community in May 1972.
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