Margaret Jean Richcreek

On May 17, 2025, as the Virginia bluebells, trilliums and wild ginger bloomed in the yard of her family homestead in Carmel, Jean Richcreek passed away peacefully in her own home in Indianapolis, Indiana. For everything there is a season and for many years, Jean fought a courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis eventually passing away at age 77.

Jean was born Margaret Jean Foxworthy in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Gordon and Helen (McMahan) Foxworthy on May 5, 1948. She grew up in Carmel, Indiana, (the “old Carmel”, as she liked to refer to it), graduating from Carmel High School in 1966 and Indiana University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a minor in Speech and Theater. She married the love of her life, Lamar Richcreek, on October 8, 1977. They were married for 41 years until his passing in 2018.

A consummate professional and life-long learner, Jean was an invaluable employee of Citizens Energy Group for over 24 years in various executive positions, retiring in 2015 as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. She started her career in nonprofit with Junior Achievement in 1973. From 1973 to 1990, she rose through the ranks from project manager to Vice President of Operations and National Vice President of Training. Dedicating countless hours of time and effort to issues that were important to her, Jean served as the Board of Director Chair for several organizations: American Pianist Association, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions Foundation, Near North Development Corporation, and Connect-to Help, as well as a Board member of United Way of Central Indiana and a real estate committee member of Indiana Landmarks. She was an active member of the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association. Remaining close to several school friends, she enjoyed meetings with the “unofficial” Book Club, The Gathering and several other groups.

Whether she was strapping on a bicycle helmet for a ride through the European countryside, buckling up a scuba tank for diving in Little Cayman, hiking the Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala, traveling to 39 countries, hosting fabulous dinner parties or digging in the dirt of her beautiful flower gardens, she and Lamar enjoyed many adventures together. Shortly after their marriage, Jean and Lamar bought a 1909 Tudor Revival/Craftsman style home with Mary Sinnock in Historic Meridian Park which they renovated and shared with many friends and strangers who needed a place to stay. A selfless advocate for the many students from the Program for Intensive English at Indiana University/Indianapolis, Jean became an “American Mom” to students she and Lamar hosted in their home from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Brazil and others.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Helen; step-father, Jonathon Combs; sister, Claudia Foxworthy Heiny; brothers-in-law, Doug Heiny and Tim Burns; and niece, Hillary Burns. She is survived by sisters: Kathy Burns and Patricia Foxworthy Mason (husband, Steve); brothers-in-law: Ron Richcreek (wife, Debbie) and Gary Richcreek (wife, Judy); nieces and nephews: Gordon Mason (wife, Hannah), Malory Masters (husband, Beau), Benjamin Burns (wife, Kim), Claudia Burns, Sarah Richcreek, Aaron Richcreek (wife, Lindsey), Dana Ashley (husband, Joel), Donelle Chisholm, Darci Caesar (husband, Greg), Drew Richcreek (wife, Sarah), Dori Johnson (husband, Brad), and many great nieces and nephews. In addition, Jean is survived by life-long friend, Mary Sinnock; and special student-family, Israel and Violeta Bustamante and their children, Marco and Frida, as well as a host of beloved friends, students, neighbors and work associates too numerous to mention.

A Memorial Visitation honoring Jean will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11am at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a Service at noon and a Celebration of Life immediately thereafter. Cremation has taken place with interment at a later date at Elm Ridge Cemetery in Muncie, Indiana, beside her beloved, Lamar.

A livestream of the Service will be available with the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25057117577806

Memorials may be directed to Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, American Pianist Association, Indiana Landmarks Foundation, The Phoenix Theatre, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Brighton Hospice nurse, Chris, and caretakers Lisakay and Latoya; as well as Mary, Malory and Sarah for their care and compassion.

Fondly remembered. Never forgotten.