Cumberland, MD - On July 8, 2026, Brenda Sue Emrick Riley left this earth. She passed at home with family. She is now free from the suffering that dementia brought, even though in Heaven, she probably is still worrying about us.

She was the daughter of Clarence and Betty (Robinette) Emrick, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are her brothers, Clarence (Junior) and Earl Emrick. She joins her best friend, Ladonna (Sue) McElfish; and her favorite Aunt Mazie.

Brenda had a very kind and soft-spoken way about her. She cared about anyone and anything and was very seldom angry. Brenda graduated from Fort Hill High School, class of 1973. Brenda worked for several sewing factories before having to retire from The Chessie Credit Union after 15 years.

She enjoyed baking and sewing and collecting things with tea pots, sewing machines and snow globes. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed going to car shows and car cruises. She was proud of OUR "55". She also enjoyed interacting with the customers at Chessie.

She will be so very missed by her husband of 50 1/2 years, Donnie; her children, Dawn Riley-Shepetuk and husband Ken, Michelle Riley, and Keith (Donnie) Riley and wife Danyel; her grandchildren, Kathryn, Graeme, DJ, Patrick, Bridgette, Bella and Ben; siblings, Karen Walker, Karla Shillingburg and Brian Emrick.

Funeral services will be private at this time, with a celebration of life to be announced later. We are grateful to hospice in her final days - especially Christie, Brittany, Carrie, Taryn and Emily. We are also grateful to her sister, Karla.

Brenda began her life in no-so-great fashion, having trouble with her leg and being in a wheelchair or leg brace until she was 10. With the help of the Children's Cripple League (Children's League), P.O. Box 267, Cumberland, MD 21501-0267 (https://www.thechildrensleague.com/); and the Ali Ghan organization, P.O. Box 1416, Cumberland, MD 21502, she was able to walk. If you wish to donate to either of these organizations, she would be grateful.

Condolences may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com.