Carol Ann Riker, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Born on December 10, 1938, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Anna Strungis. She most recently resided in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Carol was a proud graduate of Girls' Latin School and Emmanuel College in Boston. An adventurer, she took a job teaching in the Long Beach (California) Public Schools and moved across the country. She went on to earn her master's degree from California State College at Long Beach. She served as a vice principal in the Long Beach Unified School District, where she was admired for her dedication to education and her unwavering commitment to students and staff.
In 1969 she married Monro “Chris” Riker and together they had four daughters. Carol stayed home with the girls when they were small and organized neighborhood luncheons and cookie exchanges to meet the neighbors in the numerous cities they moved to for Chris’s career. Carol used her organizing skills and energy as a volunteer with scout troops, swim teams, and PTAs. She planned numerous family camping trips and weekend outings at their family property in upstate NY and enjoyed weekend afternoons on their sailboat, the Teacher’s Pet. In recent years she has enjoyed themed outings and events, BINGO, and fashionista thrifting.
Carol had a lifelong love of the water, an enthusiasm for preparing elegant meals, and a deep appreciation for history-always eager to learn and share stories from the past.
She is survived by her brother, Stephen Strungis; her daughters, Barbara Riker, Kristin (Erik) Riker-Coleman, Linda Riker, and Nancy Harkin; and her cherished grandchildren, Erin Coleman, Leah Coleman, Alexander Harkin, Andrew Harkin, and Jacob Harkin. She is also survived by her nephew, Mark Strungis, and niece, Stephanie McLeod, and former sister in-law, Patricia Strungis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Chris, and her son in-law, Adam Harkin.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Brady & Fallon Funeral Home 10 Tower St. (Opp. Forest Hills MBTA Station) Jamaica Plain on Wednesday November 19, 2025 at 11 AM One hour later, graveside service and burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.