Gwendolyn Kathleen Riker

It is with a heavy heart and strong faith that we lay to rest our loving & devoted mother, thoughtful sister and proud Grammy. Gwendolyn Kathleen “Cathy” Riker died Friday, September 5, 2025. Cathy was born August 8, 1944, in Detroit Michigan to Mary Jane & William Capler. She was the second oldest of nine children and grew up in Dearborn until she married her childhood sweetheart, Bob. They eventually settled in Troy, Michigan, where they spent most of their lives. Their union brought five children: Bobby, Lisa, Jenni, Matt & Lizzie. In addition to raising five children, Cathy & Bob opened their hearts and home to raise two more boys, Manuel and Moses Suleiman, who lost their parents at a young age. They celebrated 41 years together before Bob’s untimely death 18 years ago. Cathy never fully healed from losing the love her life, but she found comfort and joy making memories and spending time with her family. She found her purpose, caring for her grandchildren and watching them grow up. She was the most dedicated fan watching them play sports or perform in school theater. Grammy Riker will forever be with them in their hearts.

Cathy was very involved in the Catholic school community and volunteered her time and talents serving both Brother Rice High School Mother’s Club and teaching catechism at St. Hugo’s.

Cathy had a great sense of humor and compassionate heart. Her laughter echoed at family gatherings, and she shared many special quiet moments with those closest to her. She would consistently put other’s needs ahead of hers. When faced with health challenges and an offer to join the kidney transplant list, she deferred, noting she had lived a good long life and wouldn’t want to take that away from another. She also said on more than one occasion that she wished she could give her eyes to her daughter, Liz, so she could have better vision.

Cathy’s legacy is one of empathy, faith, and strength, a legacy that will continue to inspire us. We encourage you to share your favorite stories, memories, and reflections of Cathy because a person is never truly gone when their memory is full.

Cathy is survived by her five children, Robert III, Lisa, Jennifer Fahnestock (Brian), Matthew (Cece), Elizabeth, also by 10 grandchildren; Julia, Anna, Bailey, Avery, Alex, Saxon, Cash, Brody, Savanna and Will as well as her foster son Manuel Suleiman. She is also survived by her siblings; Bill Capler (Marge), Tom Capler (Leslie), Greg Capler, Mary Jane Giordano (Jim), Ralph Capler (Lori)

Cathy is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Riker Jr., her parents, William and Mary Jane Capler, and siblings: Beverly Clawson, Suzanne Sokolowski, and Kevin Capler and foster son Moses Suleiman.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday September 18, 2025, 10am at St. Hugo of the Hills Stone Chapel, 2215 Opdyke Rd., Bloomfield Hills. Visitation begins at church 9:30am. Cathy will also be interned at St. Hugo’s following the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial tributes be made to any philanthropic organization close to your heart in her honor.