Kathleen M. Risley, 81, of Allentown, died May 13, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the devoted wife of the late Walter P. Risley Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership and cherished memories. Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary C. (McNelis) Murphy.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, she earned her bachelor’s degree from College Misericordia and went on to obtain her master’s degree in education from Wilkes University. Her professional legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Northampton Area School District, where she dedicated over two decades to teaching and was instrumental in founding the district’s string program – an enduring contribution to arts education.

Her love of music was not only her profession but also her life’s calling. She nurtured generations of young musicians as a neighborhood piano and violin teacher, sharing her gifts for over 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. Her musicianship was a source of joy, inspiration and community.

A woman of deep faith and generosity, she was a devoted member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield. Her warmth, wisdom and gentle spirit touched all who knew her. But above all, her greatest joy came from her family. She delighted in the lives of her children and grandchildren and took special pride in helping to raise the next generation, creating a home filled with love, music and laughter.

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

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Baby Mary Murphy and Ann Marie Schneider.

A calling will be held 8-9:45 a.m. May 23 at Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the Allentown Symphony Association, Attn: Development, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown, 18101, supporting the music she so deeply loved and championed.