Margaret Frances Richards

Margaret is survived by her children: David G. Richards and his spouse, Patti M. Richards, Brookhaven, GA, and their six children and eight grandchildren; Robert S. Richards and his spouse, Susan D. Richards, Spruce Pine, NC, and their two children and two grandchildren; Janice Richards and Jeff Lawson, McKinney, TX; Ann Wise and her spouse, Don Wise, Mandeville, LA, and their child; John S. Richards and his spouse, Maureen S. Richards, York, SC, and their four children and two grandchildren, and Mary F. Richards, Charlotte, NC. In addition, her extended family includes her beloved friend Linda Trowbridge and her “adopted” son Don Duncan. She was preceded in death by her husband, David G. (D.G.) Richards, Charlotte, NC, and brothers, Stephen J. Sullivan, Jr. and Robert J. Sullivan.

Margaret was born on November 12, 1919, in Birmingham, AL, to Stephen J. Sullivan, Sr., and Lucy Elizabeth (nee Searson) Sullivan, Birmingham, AL. She married her lifelong love, D. G. Richards, in 1942, while he was serving in the United States Navy in the South Pacific. She spent the remainder of World War II in San Diego, CA, working in the banking industry. After World War II, they returned to Birmingham, AL, where her husband resumed what would become ultimately a 42-year career with The Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. After corporate moves to Jacksonville, FL, Dallas, TX, New Orleans, LA, Jacksonville, FL, and Ellicott City, MD, they eventually settled in Charlotte, NC, in 1979.

Margaret was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC, for over 37 years. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren knew her as a devout Catholic, a loving and giving person with a big heart, a friend to all, and a true Southern lady. She already is missed and will be remembered in their prayers, hopes and dreams.

Her family is especially grateful for the loving and selfless care she received from the staff and caregivers at Southminster including Funmi Iloro and Athena Stowe, as well as the nurses and social workers with Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte.

The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 AM ET, December 12, 2016, in the Chapel at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar will officiate the ceremony; he administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to Margaret less than 24 hours before she passed with holy water Margaret kept in her bedside dresser. All are welcome to attend the Mass and celebrate Margaret’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. Condolences can be sent to Mary F. Richards, 1215 Kingscross Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Southminster and Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, for their skills, dedication, and thoughtful and nurturing attitudes.