Jean A Rich

JEAN ANNABELLE (Hopkins) RICH, 88, longtime resident of Darien and Stamford, CT passed away peacefully on July 30th at the Atria in Darien, CT. She was born in Shelburne, Vermont on April 28, 1923 and moved to Stamford shortly thereafter. Mrs. Rich attended public schools, graduating from Stamford High School, class of 1941. She was a dental hygienist and served as a WAVE during World War II. After being discharged she was employed at William Gordon Jewelers on Atlantic Street in Stamford, CT. Mrs. Rich was an active volunteer at the Stamford Hospital.

Jean was predeceased by her loving husband and well known Stamford businessman and philanthropist, Frank D. Rich Jr. who passed away in 2007. Jean and Frank met at Stamford High School and were married for 58 years. Both enjoyed a life enriched by the arts, travel and sports. Jean was an avid reader, a natural athlete and particularly enjoyed tennis, platform tennis and golf, passing along this ability to many of her children. Jean was a member of the Stamford Yacht club for over 60 years.

Jean was an extraordinary cook and her meals were indescribable. Enjoyed by all, family and friends will truly miss this special talent. Jean was a model of dignity and grace and typically quiet-spoken. Despite these qualities she had a backbone of steel, never minced her words and had a sharp wit. Jean will be remembered for her love of her entire extended family.

Jean is survived by her six children, Lisa Rich Coats and her husband Richard of Palm City, Florida, Laura Rowland and her husband Christopher of Darien, CT, Susan Rich Mailman and her husband Mitchell of Stamford, CT, Frank D. Rich III (Rick) and his wife Susan of New Canaan, CT, Robin Fulton and her husband Robert of Hilton Head, SC, and Charles Rich and his wife Eileen of Suwanee, GA, and thirteen grandchildren. Richard Lee and Erin Coats, Elizabeth Martinez and her husband Wilson, Donald G. Lycan III (deceased) and his wife Kelly Dodge Lycan, Max Mailman, Michelle Rich Cielesz and her husband Christopher, Lindsey and Lauren Rich, Thomas and Kristin Fulton, Sarah, Kaitlin and Kimberly Rich. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Annabelle Peyton Martinez and Cooper Scott Rich Cielesz.

Jean also leaves behind her brother in law Robert N. Rich of Stamford, CT and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Her family welcomes all relatives and friends to her funeral service, which will be held on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St Johns Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. A celebration of life honoring Jean will be held at Stamford Yacht Club, 97 Ocean Drive West, Stamford, CT 06902 following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Jean A. Rich to the Visiting Nurses & Hospice Care of Southwestern, CT, 1266 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902. To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com