Claire R. Richards

Claire R. Richards, 93, died peacefully Monday morning, June 27^th surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of her cherished nieces and nephews.  Claire was born in South Hadley, the daughter of George and Meriza (Savage) Richards. Claire was a lifelong resident of South Hadley where she was parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church.  Claire graduated from South Hadley High School and was certified through Holyoke Secretarial School.  Claire was a proud banker and dedicated many years of service to Holyoke Savings Bank and retired from Vanguard Savings Bank in 1991.  Claire’s passion was her flower garden and she could often be found tending to her flowers despite any inclement weather.  Cats and Christmas Trees (one for every holiday) filled the spaces within her home.  In her youth she enjoyed traveling the world with her brother and in mature years she loved traveling with her sisters and niece especially to Pennsylvania.  Claire also cherished family vacations to Hampton Beach with her sister Anne, sister Edith and family, and brother Elbert and family.  Family Holiday dinners (Easter at the Richards, Christmas Day with the Ducharmes) were also times of great joy for Claire.  Claire had a deep love for her nieces and nephews as well as their spouses and children and always took an interest in their lives.  Claire leaves her nieces Anne Sadick and her husband Jonathan, Diane “Dolly” Werenski and her husband Stephen, Susan Ducharme, and Cathie Lawler and her husband Robert and her nephews David Richards and his wife Christine and Joseph Richards and his wife Melanie.  Claire also leaves her nephews and niece from her brother Roger’s family.  Claire leaves her grandnieces and nephews Benjamin and Jessica Sadick, Meriza Davis, Mackenzie Werenski, Liam Ryder, Daniel and Derek Lawler, and Ellie and Paige Richards as well as two great-grandnieces Jennifer and Ella Sadick.  Claire also leaves her brother-in-law Daniel B. Ducharme, Jr. who was always happy to lend her a helping hand over the years.  Claire was predeceased by her siblings Roger, Elbert, and Anne Richards and Edith Ducharme.  The family is grateful to Claire’s niece Dolly and dear friend Joan Casavant who dedicated much time and effort in caring for Claire.  The funeral will be held at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke on Friday July 1^st at 9:00 am with Liturgy in St. Theresa’s Church, South Hadley at 10:00 am followed by burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, South Hadley.  Visiting hours will be Thursday June 30^th from 4:00 to 6:00pm.  For more details, please visit www.barryjfarrellfuneralhome.com  Memorial contributions may be made to South Hadley Police Department, and South Hadley Neighbors Helping Neighbors Inc. 

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