Shirley Mae Richard

Age 86 of Deltona, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 22 surrounded by her loving husband of 61 years Albert and beloved children, Mark and Deborah. Born in Chicago, IL in 1931, Shirley was an inspiration to her family and friends and often described as a strong, brave and resilient fighter who survived ongoing health complications despite medical odds and until her final earthly day.

She was a devoted wife to Al and loving mother to her three children Jerry, Mark and Deborah, an extraordinary grandmother to her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and a cherished member of an extended family that included many close friends.

Her nurturing spirit was also evident during her Registered Nurse (RN) career, which she started at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL where she served in the emergency room. She helped many people as an RN on the Santa Fe railroad and as a visiting nurse. Many years of her career as a surgical and recovery room head nurse were spent at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Dyer, IN. It was Shirley who wrote and implemented a policy that required all recovery room nurses to visit their patients prior to surgery to ensure they would wake up to a familiar face. This practice continues to be followed today in many hospitals throughout the country. After moving to Miami, FL in 1981, Shirley became an RN for an outpatient surgical center. She was soon promoted to director which is the job she held when she retired in 1994.

Throughout her life Shirley also loved to play board games and Bridge with her friends and family, was an avid newspaper and novel reader, created ceramics and jewelry, and was very accomplished in creating beautiful crocheted afghan blankets and throws which she gifted to her family and friends. She and Al traveled extensively across the country visiting family and friends in their RV after their retirement. Most of all, she was an amazing woman who practiced her Methodist faith, listened, gave sage advice, praised, laughed easily, had an occasional fiery Irish temper and was loved by everyone.

Survivors include her husband, Albert of Deltona (previously Miami, Schererville, IN and Chicago, IL); her sons Jerry (Diane) of Crystal Lake, IL and Mark (Lisa Courtney) of Plantation, FL and daughter Deb Richard of Deltona; grandchildren Brittany Tolmie (Billy), Amanda McCrimmon (Sean), Devin Richard, Sean Richard, Paige Workman and Brook Richard, and great-grandchildren Alex, Cheryl, Hailey Mae, Autumn and Lily Mae.

Gathering of friends and family will begin at noon on Saturday, August 4 at Lakeside Methodist Church, 121 N Henderson Lane, Sanford, FL 32771, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Donations in Shirley's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or The Foundation for Seminole State College - nursing scholarships.