Catherine Wells Riley, age 62, passed away on February 7, 2024, at her home in South Riding, VA, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with a long illness. She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Andrew Riley, her son Matthew Riley (28), and her daughter Julia Riley (21). Catherine also leaves behind her beloved brothers, Steven Redgate and Daniel Redgate.

Cathy was born on February 5, 1962, in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the only daughter of the late Dr. Edward Redgate and Mary Morell Smith. Cathy graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and earned her BA in English literature from Pennsylvania State University.  After relocating to northern Virginia in 1988, Cathy initially pursued a sales career in real estate with NV Homes, where she met her future husband.

Over the past 35 years, Cathy made significant contributions to economic development. She held successive senior leadership roles at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, managing domestic, international, and entrepreneurship programs. Her visionary leadership resulted in the establishment of six overseas offices, positioning Fairfax County as a global hub for businesses and people. Colleagues admired her tireless dedication and recognized her as a "shining example of a true servant leader."

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cathy treasured her family, especially her two brothers. Her kindness, gentle humor, radiant smile, and unwavering empathy touched the lives of those around her. She was dependable, focused, hardworking, and scrupulously honest—a legacy inherited from her late mother.

Amidst her busy career, Cathy found solace in carefree days spent at the family cabin in Bar Harbor, Maine. Long walks, playfulness, and infectious laughter filled those summers, creating cherished memories.

Catherine Wells Riley's legacy will endure through the lives she touched and the indelible mark she left on economic development. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The enduring legacy that Cathy leaves for all who were fortunate to know her was a moral compass that consistently pointed true north; and, that she unfailingly prioritized others before making any decisions.

There will be a Visitation on Thursday, February 22, 2024 (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and a Memorial Service on Friday, February 23, 2024 (1:00 p.m.) both at Arcola United Methodist Church, 24757 Arcola Mills Drive, Dulles, VA, 20166.

The memorial will be live streamed from www.arcolachurch.org.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Inova Life with Cancer Foundation, which may be accessed online https://join.inova.org/donate.