Alice Marie Richards, 86, died Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at her home. Born March 2, 1927 to John and Ella Robertson in Staten Island, NY. Alice was a legal secretary in NY City before moving to North Carolina in 1962. Her husband John F. “Jack” Richards died in July of 2013.
Alice was a 50 year member and received the Lifetime Membership Award from Catholic Daughters of America Court Durham Chapter. She joined Catholic Daughters in 1963, less than a year after moving to Durham. In typical fashion, she became active immediately and was elected to the office of treasurer in 1964. This was the first of many offices that Alice held, including Recording Secretary, Vice Regent and Regent. She served again as treasurer in 2006. Her enthusiasm and commitment to Catholic Daughters was evident to all as she served on many committees throughout the years. These included the Famous Fashion Shows, the Quilt Raffle, Duke Fundraisers, State Raffle Ticket sales, Bingo and Oldham Towers as well as many bake sales and yard sales. She demonstrated strong leadership as chairman of several committees. Whether in a supporting role or leading role, she was a Catholic Daughter everyone could always count on.
Surviving are: two sons, Don Richards of Durham and Gary Richards and his fiancee’ Kathryn Gurley of Durham; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Charles “Chuck” Richards; two sisters, Elsie Weist and husband, Ray of New Jersey, Evelyn “Rusty” Ennis and husband, Jim of New Jersey.
Family will be present 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main St., Durham. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 p.m. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church with Fr. Thanh Nguyen presiding.
Interment will follow at St. Matthew Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to Duke Hospice, The American Lung Association, or to St. Matthew Catholic Church. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com. See obituaries.
Mary Ellen Griffin
Dear Don,Gary,Kathyrn,Elizabeth and Chuck,
Alice was a gentle and kind woman. I have pleasant memories of her lovely smile as she walked into the fitness centers some years ago to take her water aerobics class while I was working out in the gym. At that time, she told me she always took an afternoon nap before CDA Meetings. As you can imagine from her list of offices and committees, Alice worked very hard at those meetings.
We will all miss Alice but she will be with Jack and that is so important to her. Our deepest sympathy and know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Lyon
So sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ingrid Synan
Dear family,
I have known your Mom and Dad for many years. I met them years ago at Immaculate Conception Church. We would all go to the Knights of Columbus dances as well. Your Mom would always greet me with a smile at Mass on Saturday evening at St Matt’s. She was always wanting to know what how I was doing. I always asked how she was as well. I would by the cook books she was selling for the Catholic Daughters. She was such a special lady. She was so pleasant. I will truly miss seeing her and your Dad at Mass each Saturday. She is finally free on pain and worry. God bless each of you as you go through this time. Please find peace and comfort in knowing your Mom is great hands now and with some wonderful people.
Ingrid Synan
Durham, NC
Bill and Joanne Agro
Dear Don, Gary, katherine, Elizabeth and Chuck, we are saddened by Alice’s passing but know she is in peace. She is now sitting beside John where she would want to be. She was a sweet lady always greeted me with a smile. We will miss her at the lake. Will keep all of you in my prayers and may she rest in peace.
Bill Van Pelt
All of our parents were such good friends over the years. Your Mom was like a 2nd mother to me when I was little, and always took interest in my life. I will miss her a lot. I am glad I got to see her one more time after I moved back to the area.
Peace and Love to Alice
Bill
Francine V. Clark
Our family remembers many good times at the Columbus Club with Alice and Jack. Alice would even swim with us kids. We are so glad to have had such long friendships with such sweet people. Always in our prayers. Love, The William E. Van Pelt Family
Kirk Wall
A better neighbor could not be had. Alice was so caring.