After a life well lived, Cecilia “Betty” Doyle Nulty Rickards, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025 to find eternal peace, embraced in spirit by loved ones who had been waiting with open arms.
Betty was born on April 5, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents, Richard J. Doyle Jr. and Cecilia (nee Tynan). She was a long-time resident of Buckingham Springs in New Hope, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1960 and continued her education, graduating from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in Elementary Education. Betty went on to establish a career as an educator, working in Alaska and Philadelphia School Districts as well as administration/marketing at Empire Abrasive Equipment Company in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Betty was a lover of animals, especially cats, birds and horses. She owned quite a few birds, including cockatoos. She also owned a horse that was kept in her backyard in Northeast Philadelphia. For many years, Betty (along with her husband, Ralph) belonged to an RV club and would travel to River Ranch RV Resort in Florida during the winter months.
Betty was preceded in death by her son, Shawn Nulty and her husband, Ralph J. Rickards.
Betty is survived by stepchildren Gregory Rickards (Jennifer), Terry Yurigan (Paul), Catherine Haus, and Steven Rickards (Denisse), five step grandchildren, Derek, Justin, Emilie, Aaron, Sean, and Ashley, and two step great grandchildren, Spencer and Olin.
Betty will be profoundly missed by many, including her lifelong high school sorority friends that after 65 years still met once a month.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled in the chapel at Ann’s Choice on July 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at 30000 Ann’s Choice Way, Warminster, PA 18974
Memorial contributions may be made to Bucks County SPCA at P.O. Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931 OR St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
