Grace E. Richardson

Grace E. Richardson passed peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023 in New York City, her favorite place, surrounded by family and friends. She was a bright and energetic light who tirelessly worked to improve her community through social engagement and programs.

A trailblazing and remarkable businesswoman and innovator, she held executive positions at J.C. Penney, Con Edison, and Chesebrough-Ponds. Grace retired from Colgate-Palmolive as Vice President of Global Consumer Affairs after 19 years at the company.

Born in Lynn, MA on November 22, 1938, Grace was the sister of Ann M. Davis of Ashburn, VA, and George E. Richardson of Lynnfield, MA (1942-2011). After graduating from Lynn English High School, Grace received a B.S. from Simmons University and an M.S. from Cornell University before settling in New York City where she received a M.B.A. from New York University. In New York City, she began her upward rise in the business world at a time when it was challenging for women to do so. Grace never ceased her commitment to expanding the role of women in corporate America.

Grace married Ralph B. Henderson in 1979. She always had an adventurous streak and joined Ralph on many flights around the country until his passing in 1989. Grace also earned her private pilot’s license and bravely flew the entire Bahamas Chain.

In addition to her large extended family and wide-reaching circle of friends and colleagues, Grace is survived by her long-time companion, Kenneth Lightcap, with whom she spent many fun times weekending in Connecticut and Sag Harbor, NY.

For over 20 years, Grace enjoyed organizing an annual family reunion at Lake Winnipesaukee for the Richardson Clan as well as biennial gatherings around the U.S. with the Henderson family. All will miss her fun and influential presence and her wicked sense of humor and unforgettable laugh.

Upon retirement, Grace became highly involved with organizations focused on empowering women and girls internationally, using her corporate skills and boundless energy to bring their voices into the public policy arena by traveling, speaking, and mentoring. Grace was a founding and beloved member of the Belizean Grove, an organization of influential women around the globe who seek to make a positive impact on the world. She chaired the Board of the NYC YWCA (and is in its Academy of Women Achievers), served on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Committee for UN Women, was a member of Women For Women International and the NYC Leadership Council, and a Board member of Safe Horizon. She established the Grace Richardson International Fellows Program at Simmons University in conjunction with the U.S. State Department’s Global Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Grace served as an advisor on Outreach for Abigail Disney’s “Women, War, and Peace,” and was a Board member of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, Council Member of The Juilliard School, and a member of the Patron Advisory Committee of the Manhattan Theatre Club. For almost 30 years, Grace proudly served on the President's Council of Cornell Women and in varied roles with NYC Women’s Forum, including as Vice President from 2000-2002. She also supported and mentored women and men attending the annual International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe and was the first female member of The University Club of New York.

Grace remained active with her alma maters and they recognized her outstanding achievements, contributions, and dedication. She was awarded Alumni Achievement Awards by both Cornell and Simmons universities, with the former also bestowing on her the Exemplary Alumni Service Award. Grace served on the Simmons University Board of Trustees. She was also inducted into Lynn English High School Hall of Fame.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Grace’s memory may be directed to The Juilliard School or to the scholarship established in her brother’s memory. Gifts to Juilliard may be made online (www.giving.juilliard.edu) or a check payable to The Juilliard School may be mailed to: The Juilliard School, Office of Development, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023.

Scholarship checks may be sent to the George E. Richardson Scholarship Fund, Lynn English High School, 50 Goodridge Street, Lynn, MA 01902 Attn: Estephanie Lugo, Guidance Department.

Her Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Broadway, Lynn. Relatives and friends are invited to gather inside the Main Gate at 9:45 AM.

Arrangements in New York by the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, 1076 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10028 and local arrangements handled by Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, 01904.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cuffemcginn.com for the Richardson family.