Dallal Maxine Richards

Dallal Richards, 91, passed away at Sibley Memorial Hospital on October 13, 2014 after complications due to heart failure. She was a resident of Chevy Chase House in Washington, DC.

Dallal was born in Iowa and, in 1941, upon marrying her first husband, Ameen David (deceased), moved to Washington. She was the devoted mother of Nabeel David (Lisa) of Callao, VA, Camilla David (Emilio Sacerdoti) of Bethesda, MD, and Richard David (Theresa) of Manassas, VA. She was the devoted sister of Diana Richards of Washington, DC, and sisters-in-law Jeanne Richards of Washington, DC, and Belle Richards of Houston, TX. She was pre-deceased by her brothers, James and Edward Richards. She is also survived by her nephew Dr. Mark Richards of Chevy Chase, MD, and nieces Andrea Moore (Rich) of San Mateo, CA, and Laura Coleman (Bill) of Kensington, MD.

Dallal was an esteemed hostess in the Arab American community during her early years in Washington and later active in the larger Washington area. In the 1950s she was recruited by founder and actor Danny Thomas as a Board Member of ALSAC- St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Later, she served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Maret School in Washington.

Dallal was very devoted to her family and friends and took great pride in her many community achievements, as a former President of the Four Seasons Garden Club and the Antiques Club of Washington. Dallal was a Standard Flower Show Judge. Additional pursuits included bridge, flower arranging and gourmet cooking, all of which she generously taught to friends and relatives.

Dallal was an elegant woman who was always the cheerful life of the party, and her optimism, charm and dignity were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, Inc., 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (corner of Harrison Street) Washington, DC, on Monday, October 20 from 2-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Interment on Tuesday, October 21 at 12:30 p.m. at Parklawn Memorial Park at 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD.

Memorial Donations may be made to ANERA, an American non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives in the Middle East at 1111 14th Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005 or (http//www.anera.org/ways-to-donate/).

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.