Kathleen M. Risley, 81, of Allentown, died May 13, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. She was the wife of the late Walter P. Risley Jr.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary C. (McNelis) Murphy.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Misericordia College and went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Wilkes University.

She taught for Northampton Area School District for more than 20 years and was instrumental in founding the district’s string program.

She nurtured generations of young musicians as a neighborhood piano and violin teacher, sharing her gifts for more than 50 years. As a talented violinist, she graced the stage of the Allentown Symphony for more than 25 years and later performed with the Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra following her retirement.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, Orefield.

She is survived by three children, Dr. Walter P. III and wife Angel of Ocean Springs, Miss., Patricia A. of Allentown and Dr. Jennifer K. Risley and her husband Dr. Shawn Quinn of Allentown; seven grandchildren, Andrew and wife Catherine Moretto, Nathan, Olivia, Patrick, Molly, Carter and Liam; an eagerly awaited great-grandchild; and a sister, Rosemary Lambert and husband Albert of Wake Forest, N.C.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Baby Mary Murphy and Ann Marie Schneider.

There will be a calling time 8-9:45 a.m. May 23 at the funeral home, 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. A Mass of Christian burial will follow 10:30 a.m. at the church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield.

Contributions may be made to Allentown Symphony Association, Attn: Development, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown, 18101.

Arrangements were made by Stephens Funeral Home.