Aleen Taylor Richardson

Aleen Richardson June 28, 1925-October 9, 2021. Resident of San Jose, CA for over 80 years having been born in Gerty, OK, and moving to San Jose as a young teen with her parents Lillian Nadine Taylor and Johnathan (John) Spurgeon Taylor, and siblings Howard Lee Taylor, Kathleen (KiNe) Anderson and Helen Christian.

Aleen was married for 62 years to Wendell Wright Richardson on August 3, 1944 until his death April 7, 2006. She is survived by their six children: Keith Richardson (Cheyenne, WY), Andrea LaVergne (Lafayette, CA), Randall (Randy) Richardson (Cheyenne, WY), Kirk Richardson (San Jose, CA), Kenneth (Ken) Richardson (San Jose, CA), and Julie Richardson Biggerstaff (Twain Harte, CA). Her 9 grandchildren are Ron and Mark Richardson, Rene’ Mainwaring and Carla O’Leary, Maressa Prince, Jennifer Johnson, and Christina Bynum, Stephanie and Sam Richardson.

Aleen attended San Jose High School, met Wendell Richardson, and married him several years later the day before he received his commission as second lieutenant in the army air corps and his pilot’s wings. After the war ended Aleen was focused on raising her young family and being the best mother she could be. She was deeply involved in her church and was an involved parent at her children’s schools in the Willow Glen area. When her children matured, she decided she wanted to work for Bergmann’s in Willow Glen, where she had been a customer for many years. Mr. Bergmann hired her on the spot after she gave her reason for wanting a job there: “I love Bergmann’s”. Aleen worked in sales for 20 years where she earned the respect and love of her fellow employees and her customers. She then worked for Hallmark Cards, and later in Keith’s business Sierra Trading Post in Cheyenne, WY, during periods when Wendell was working for Randy’s business: Richardson Construction, Cheyenne, WY.

Aleen outlived most of her family and friends, but was consistently described by them as loving, always smiling, joyful, and positive. She also had a great sense of humor, and a love of music. Her deep faith in Jesus was reflected in the way she lived, and treated others. Aleen and Wendell raised six children in a home filled with love and the teaching and modeling of traditional American values. Aleen was in great health for a 96 year old and lived independently in the home which she and Wendell bought in 1950. She loved her home which started out as a small three bedroom tract home with one bathroom. Wendell was a gifted carpenter and added on to it over the years. Aleen always thought of her many happy years with Wendell as she would look around the house and then she would say: “I just love this home and all of its memories. Isn’t it beautiful?”. Her fervent prayer was answered when she died in her home and not a hospital room or nursing home. She died peacefully and in her words: “I am ready to go, and looking forward to being with my Lord and seeing Dad”.

During her last five days when it was obvious her time was limited, Aleen had many visitors who came to encourage and comfort her, instead they left encouraged and comforted. This comment from a close family member tells the story: “My last memory (of Aleen), was her beautiful smile. She hugged me, gave me a kiss on the cheek and said “I’ve always loved you”. Doesn’t get much better than that 😊.”

A memorial service is planned to be held at Hillside Church, 545 Hillside Ave., San Jose on November 13 at 1:00 pm. Flowers may be sent to the Church. Aleen will be interred along-side her husband at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose at a private family ceremony.