Eleanor “Sugar” Richards passed away on August 8, 2012 with her loving family by her side. She was 71 years old. Eleanor was born in Yonkers, NY on May 24, 1941 to Thomas F. Howley and Bridget Etta Lappin.
Eleanor married the love of her life, Nicholas Richards, on November 13, 1965. He predeceased her on August 3, 2002. She was also predeceased by her brother, Frank; Eleanor is survived by many nieces and nephews and her loving brothers Thomas and Johnny Howley.
Eleanor “Sugar” Richards lived for her two granddaughters, Jessica and Jacqueline. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her granddaughters - going to the movies, cooking, having girls’ night sleepovers, planning day adventures, and trips to the beach. She was devoted to her daughter Jennifer Kilb and always felt fortunate to have such a special son-in-law in Gary.
Her generosity extended not only to friends and family, but to strangers she felt were in need. Eleanor was the co-founder and first chairperson of the Board of the Greenburgh Neighborhood Community Health Center.
Eleanor graduated from the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing (class 1962) and received her Ph.D. in Nursing from Adelphi University in 1988. Her profession was her passion. Eleanor was the chairperson of the department of nursing, and retired as Professor Emeritus from SUNY New Paltz. She was a strong advocate for her nursing students, nurses and women’s rights. Eleanor’s compassion and professional ethics are reflected in the many professionals she mentored. She was loved and respected by her students.
Sugar was a loving and caring friend. She had a wonderful ability to make her friends her family. Sugar loved nothing more than to spend time with her dear friends Barbara and Bruce Flanz and their children. Sugar’s door was always open and she loved hosting. With her endless hospitality, laughter and stories quickly filled the room.
Donations can be made in Eleanor’s memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Earmarked for research), 1311 Mamaroneck Ave, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605 or United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956.
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