It's with our deepest sadness and grief that we share the news of our mother's passing.

Maryanne Rietz-Dalton, 86, a pianist, organist, teacher, and long-time resident of Ridley Park, died peacefully Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at her home.

Maryanne was gifted with perfect pitch and gave her first concert at the age of 12 with the Chicago Symphony. Her family moved to Ridley Park in 1950 and she graduated from Ridley Park High School in 1954. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Music from Louisiana State University, where she also taught. She was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship, which afforded her the opportunity to study in Florence, Italy.

Maryanne brought energy, passion, style, wit, and intelligence into her music career that spanned over 60 years. She shared joy, love, and faith through her active leadership in Victoria Chapel as choir director and organist for over 30 years.  Maryanne was adored and respected by so many students whom she had the privilege of teaching. Every student was treated like her own children.

Most importantly, Maryanne loved and enjoyed family and friends. Affectionately known as "Meems," she enjoyed cooking, hosting gatherings, gardening, caring for her home, and staying involved in the daily life of each and every family member.  Maryanne's favorite thing to do was to spend time with her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She spoiled us all rotten with thoughtful gifts and baked goods made with love.

There was ALWAYS music in our house, in our hearts and in our souls, and we are so lucky. We will always have music.  She was our best friend, and our touchstone, and no words can convey how much we will miss her…none.

Maryanne was the loving wife of the late Rev. Joseph C. Dalton, mother of David W. Rietz, John J. "Jay" Rietz (Connie) and Stephanie A. Rietz Hutchison (Larry), grandmother of Jonathon Rietz (Mary), Caroline Bleisch (Jonas), Samuel Rietz (Kathleen Casey), Dylan Hutchison and Eli Hutchison, great-grandmother of Aubree, Logan and Rylee Rietz, also of Hudson Bleisch, sister of the late Thomas W. Gittins, Jr.. Sister-in-law of Suzanne Gittins and Doris Simmonds, and aunt of Thomas and Dianne Gittins. Additional family members include Joe's daughters Debi Cronin (John), Judi Leatherwood (Terry Simpson), Kathy Dalton and the late Betsi Dalton and her children Angela Dixon and Andrew Dixon (Danielle) and their children Jared, Victoria and Joe.

Memorial Service 11 AM Monday, May 15, 2023 at Upland Baptist Church, 325 Main Street, Upland, PA  19015, where a reception will follow immediately after the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Upland Baptist Church at the above address or Plant a Tree through this website following the link below.