Phoebe Helms Richards, age 81 of East Hartford, Connecticut passed away peacefully on April 6, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Phoebe was born of the late Reverend Henry E. Helms and Ruth Wheeler Helms in Boston Massachusetts. Phoebe spent her youth in Watertown, Massachusetts and graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work from Ohio Wesleyan. Phoebe worked as a missionary at the Bethelem Center for youth for 3 years in Augusta, Georgia. Phoebe then married the love of her life, Reverend William T. Richards Jr. on June 1, 1963. Together Phoebe and Bill began their faith journey and service to The United Methodist Church. Phoebe devoted her life to her faith, family and community and was an active member of all churches she served including, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, North Kingston, Rhode Island, Chicopee, Massachusetts, Pepperell, Massachusetts, Townsend Massachusetts, East Hartford, Connecticut and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Upon losing her husband in 2002, Phoebe relocated to East Hartford, Connecticut and returned to New Covenant Church. There she became a valuable member of the church, by teaching English as a second language, became active in the choir, worked on various committees and dedicated herself to the youth of East Hartford. Phoebe will be most remembered for selflessness, sense of humor and her devotion to family. Phoebe is survived by her son Reverend Philip Richards and his wife Kerriann Richards, of Plattsburg, New York, daughter Catherine Nickerson and her husband Michael Nickerson of Poquoson, Virginia, son William Richards and his wife Kathleen Richards of Ellington, CT and daughter Rebecca Richards Guzman and her husband Jaime Guzman of Amazonas, Peru, a sister Stephanie Helms of Freeport, Maine. 8 grandchildren, Maia Richards, and Alaina Richards, Elizabeth and Matthew Nickerson, Tyler and Zachary Richards, William Guzman and a granddaughter Eliana due in June of 2020. Phoebe is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Phoebe is predeceased by her husband Reverend William T. Richards Jr, her parents and her brother David. The family greatly appreciates all the friends and family that supported Phoebe throughout the years, including the staff at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation in East Hartford, where she lived out her final days and they became her second family. Phoebe wanted a small service, followed by a Celebration of Life, with laughter, love and music. In lieu of flowers, we ask that, in her name you do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in need. If you prefer a more traditional form of remembrance, donations can be made to American Cancer Society.
