Pearle Richards

Pearle Charlotte Shainline Richards, 101, widow of Donald Cleaver Richards, died peacefully at home in Harwich where she lived with her daughter, Wilma J. Morris and son-in-law, The Reverend Canon Charles H. Morris. She is survived by them and her son, Donald C. Richards, Jr. and his wife Mary Lou Knechel Richards who live in Harleysville, PA. Also surviving her are her devoted grandchildren; Angela Richards Hoerner, and Tina Y. Richards, both of Harleysville; Catherine E. Morris and her spouse, Pat Wood, Joseph L. Morris and his wife, Laura Ohman Morris and a beloved great-granddaughter, Brynn V. Morris, all of Harwich. Her dear sister Betty Butterworth, 97, of Phoenixville, PA died within hours of her death. Her remaining sibling his Robert Shainline of Pittston, PA.

Pearle was the revered matriarch of a large extended family and presided over countless semi-annual Shainline Family Reunions. She had established that reunion tradition 75 years ago and was an inspiration in its continuation. A highlight of this past year was her trip to Pennsylvania in a four-seat private airplane to attend a family gathering that her son and his family had planned. Of equal importance was her attendance at the wedding of her granddaughter, Cathy, in November where she enjoyed another celebration with family and friends.

Pearle was born in Norristown, PA on July 8, 1909, the eldest child of Joseph Brookfield Shainline and Edna Bosler Shainline. As a teenager, she sacrificed her education to stay at home and help her father raise her 4 younger siblings after the untimely death of her mother.

After her marriage to Donald Richards on July 8, 1931, she became a seamstress in a small costume and flag factory. Her main task was to construct Santa Claus suits and she proudly carried the title of “Santa’s Tailor”. She worked for that same company off and on until the age of 79.

She was an active, contributing member of Heidelberg United Church of Christ, Schwenksville, PA for many years. Upon her move to Cape Cod, she became an adopted communicant of The Church of the Holy Spirit, Orleans. She was a regular worshiper there and a continuing inspiration to many.

She delighted in helping others and insisted on doing chores in the home up until just days before her passing. She loved to crochet and made hundreds of delicate snowflakes that decorate the Christmas trees of family and friends. When her eyesight failed, she learned to knit and began making wool squares that were sent to South Africa and assembled into blankets or sweaters for Aids Orphans. Her gentle disposition, her pleasant smile, and her generous spirit will be missed by all of her friends and family.

The Burial Service with the Celebration of Holy Eucharist will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 204 Monument Road, Orleans, MA, on Monday, December 13, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to her favorite charities:

Heidelberg UCC,

251 Perkiomen Avenue

Schwenksville, PA 19473

The Church of the Holy Spirit

204 Monument Road

Orleans, MA 02653-3512

For online condolences and directions, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com