Patricia H. Richards passed away peacefully on July 22, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida embraced by the forever love of her family and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pat was born in Jacksonville on April 3, 1932, and had a career with the Federal Reserve Bank until marriage to the love of her life, Larry Richards, allowed her to retire and focus on family. Pat was affectionately called “Nana” by family and close friends. Her life was dedicated to supporting her children to whom she was selflessly available whenever needed. But, then came the grandchildren. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart and always brought a smile to her face. She lovingly called them her “boo dos”. Her home was as comfortable to the grandkids as their own home. Whether it was playing dress up, a game of cards, dancing in the living room or swinging in the backyard, you could always hear the sounds of joy and laughter. The grandkids particularly loved the traditions Nana established. They always looked forward to gathering at Nana’s home to make Christmas cookies and for the annual Christmas Eve celebration with food and presents, and Nana’s scrumptious pound cake that was expected at all family events. Nana was the perfect combination of compassion and sassiness. She did anything she could for immediate and extended family without hesitation, but was happy to make her feelings known if you got out of line. We all loved her for her spunk and honesty. Preceded only by Nana’s love for family was her affection for Florida State Seminole football. She was occasionally in the stands, but always on the couch in front of the TV screaming passionately through many FSU victories and commiserating with each emotional FSU defeat. Nana felt so blessed to be able to provide for and love her family. The reality is that we are the ones who were blessed to have had the gift of a wonderful mother and Nana. Pat was preceded in death by her parents William and Lois Babb; Larry Richards, her husband of 43 years, and her sister Barbara Smith. She is survived by her brother William J. Babb (Lovelle); her five children: Paula Hood (Rick); Mark Holder; Jeanne Caldwell (John); Cathy Nixon (John) and David Richards (Mischelle); her 13 grandchildren: Kacie, Michelle, Jacquelyn, Caroline, Alexandra, Sofia, Conor, Katie (Stan), Matthew (Meagan), Ashley (Justin), Brittany, Joshua, Eden, along with 3 great-grandchild Allison, Emily Kate and Noah; and 2 nieces, a nephew and several cousins. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Westminster Communities Foundation at 25 State Road 13, Jacksonville, FL 32259. Visitation will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, July 27, 2017 in San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, 1718 FL-13, Jacksonville, FL 32259 with Father John Tetlow as Celebrant, followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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