Kathryn Richards

Kathryn Richards died peacefully on August 10, 2023. She is survived by her daughter Karen; three grandchildren, Rod (Cathy), Melissa (Bill), Carina (Dan); and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon, Steven, Alex, Hannah, Cassidy, Griffin, and Delaney.

Kathryn “Kit” Richards was given the nickname Kitten by her high school sweetheart, Kenneth R. Richards. They married on August 21, 1942 and had one daughter, Karen. They were happily married for 64 years, until the time of his death in 2006.

Kit, in her later years, was known affectionately by many as Gram. She was a talented artist, clothing designer and seamstress who owned her own dressmaking business. She designed and made prom and wedding gowns, and many one of a kind ensembles for her family and customers.

She shared her time and talents with many over her 100 years on this earth. Kit and Ken sang and played handbells in many church choirs. They also sang in the Reading Choral Society and helped in the formation of the Berks County Opera Company. Kit and Ken often combined their talents to help with Karen’s activities when she was growing up. Kit founded the dance company “Youth in Revue” which performed at various venues throughout the Reading area. Ken was the prop designer and sound engineer.

When Kit moved to a retirement community she remained extremely active. She learned and taught Tai Chi in her 80’s and taught water aerobics classes until she was 97. She was stage manager and performed in several talent shows in her community. She volunteered weekly in the store and library and was an officer for the Resident’s Association. She received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her countless hours of service. Her favorite committee was the Chapel Committee, and she was instrumental in setting up the Cord Mate Program, a safety alarm system worn by the residents.

Gram was extremely involved and supportive of her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She rarely missed an important show, concert, game, race or meet. At the age of 97, she trained for and completed a one mile “Fun Run” with her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gram never forgot a birthday or anniversary and her card aways arrived in the mail on the exact date of the milestone.

She was a woman ahead of her generation. She always was forward thinking, hungry for knowledge, and excited to learn new technology and ideas. She had a cell phone and a tablet which she used daily to follow family events and share pictures on FaceBook. She embraced technology, however she preferred a newspaper and the feel of a hardback book in her hands. She was amazing and an inspiration to many and her memory will live on through her family and friends.

A viewing for Kathryn will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Theo C. Auman, Inc., 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Graveside service will immediately follow at Berks County Memorial Gardens, 201 Evansville Rd., Fleetwood, PA 19522.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TheoCAuman.com for the Richards family.