Nora Richardson

Nora Powers Richardson was the mother you wanted to emulate. The friend you wished you could be. The starry-eyed social worker that never lost the light. She spent forty years in a brutal job taking care of DeKalb County’s children and families. Nora Richardson was tough. She was a wee blonde Irish Catholic sprig fresh from Savannah when she met husband Hank Richardson at an (ooh!) Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts concert at UGA. Nora just dimpled, told Hank’s friends she’d marry him soon enough and so she did. That was also Nora Richardson. Determined. Hank and Nora’s life together was startling in its contrasts. His work, his brilliance is in the great principles of design. Nora’s strength was humanity. People in crisis. The bridge between them was their relationship. She took care of Hank. More than that: What he did for his students—that flame he sparked for them—Nora fueled steadily for Hank. It was the ultimate creative collaboration. Nora and Hank have two children and four grandchildren. Elizabeth and Brian Dinerstein and their children Molly and Billy live in Houston. Dick and Leisa Richardson and boys Jackson and Colben live in Boise. The bairns are dimpled like their grandmother, they are. And above average intelligence. Nora Powers loved her family utterly. Her sisters Elizabeth Ware, Retta Buttiner, Kathleen Sanfilippo, and Beth Richardson. Her babies and grandbabies, of course. And she loved Hank Richardson beyond time or measure. She loved. She gave. She only stopped giving when she passed away suddenly at home in Atlanta on Friday, September 30. Nora wasn’t showy and didn't want people fussing over her. But a little fussing wont hurt. Catered reception for family, friends, and students. Tuesday, October 4th 5-8pm, Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill. 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30319. Funeral Mass: Wednesday, 11 am, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2855 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, 30329.