Bessie Richards

Bessie was born July 25, 1916, in New Bedford MA, daughter of Peter and Angelina Lucas. She was a first generation Greek-American and was especially proud of her Greek heritage. She was raised in a community in the north end of the city where the French, Polish, and Greek population lived side by side working together and helping each other day by day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years Joseph Allen Richards, six brothers, George Lucas, Alex Lucas, Charlie Lucas, James Lucas, Steve Lucas, Gus Lucas, and one sister Alice Jerolaman.

Bessie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Richards Gardner of Hampton VA, and her son-in-law James Gardner, a number of nieces and nephews, along with other family members and close friends.

Bessie was a kind and caring mother. At the end of her life she and her daughter were inseparable. On many occasions she said how blessed she was to have such a wonderful daughter and wished other mothers could be so fortunate.

She was able to light up a room in the presence of her friends. Bessie had a great sense of humor and a magnetic personality; she truly was the Belle of the Ball. A dear friend sent her a card recently that read, “If a candle were lit for every kind word you’ve spoken, every caring deed you’ve done, every life you’ve touched, the room would be filled with a radiant glow.” That pretty much reflects the precious heart of Bessie.

The family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice of Newport News and Home Instead of Newport News for the wonderful care and support given to Bessie and the family during her final journey, while still at home.

A special thanks is given to Helena Liles, Takako Apuzzie, Faye Hilliard, and a number of other friends from the Coliseum Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hampton VA for their devoted care and support for Bessie these past few months.

Since Bessie had a wonderful love for animals, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to the local SPCA.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 6, 2012 at the Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. The service will be conducted by her nephew Greg Lucas, of El Paso TX.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.