Introducing Riley’s Angels: Honoring a Life of Compassion at Marcie’s Angels Cat Cafe

At Marcie’s Angels Cat Cafe, every cat has a story—and now, thanks to one extraordinary young woman named Riley Hils DeRoy, some of our most overlooked cats are getting the second chance they so deserve.

Riley’s Angels is a new initiative inspired by Riley’s enduring love for animals and her unwavering compassion for those who struggled. Riley passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2025, at just 21 years old. Though her life was far too short, her impact continues to ripple outward in powerful ways. Riley was known for her intelligence, humor, fierce loyalty, and her deep empathy for both people and animals. Her family and friends, heartbroken by her loss, chose to honor her memory by creating a fund to help others—just as Riley always tried to do in her own life.

That fund is now helping cover the adoption fees for some of the more difficult-to-place cats at our cafe. We call them Riley’s Angels—cats who have had a tougher road, who may be older, have medical conditions, or who simply haven’t yet caught the eye of their future person. Riley knew what it felt like to fight quietly, to carry burdens others couldn’t see. It feels only right that her legacy is now helping animals who are often overlooked for similar reasons.

Take Felipe, for example. He’s been with us for over two months. He’s FIV positive and lives with arthritis in all four legs, requiring regular injections to help manage the pain. Thanks to a partnership with POA, his upcoming treatment in August is covered—and now, thanks to Riley’s Angels, so is his adoption fee. All he needs now is a kind, understanding person to bring him home.

Then there’s Nadia, who waited patiently for over 3.5 months before finally finding her person. A young mama at just two years old, Nadia likely had three litters before being rescued through our TNR program. Her son, Ralphie, is still here at the cafe, waiting for his own family. Nadia’s story is one of quiet endurance—and thanks to Riley’s Angels, she got the happy ending she deserved.

Each Riley’s Angel has a journey filled with challenges—but also resilience, gentleness, and hope. Much like Riley herself.

This program is a tribute to her heart, her fight, and her belief that healing was possible. Riley was on the brink of beginning a new chapter in a California recovery program when she passed away from an accidental overdose. She had fought so hard to heal, and even in her darkest moments, she never lost her capacity to love.

Now, through Riley’s Angels, her love lives on—in soft fur, slow blinks, and second chances.

If you’re looking to open your heart to a cat who truly needs you, ask us about our Riley’s Angels. Their adoption fees are covered, their stories are powerful, and their capacity for love is boundless.

Fly high, Ri-Ri. Your spirit is still helping the world—one cat at a time.