Mary P. Richards

Mary P. Richards, 86, passed away at her home in Delmar on Wednesday October 20, 2021.

Born in North Adams, MA, she was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Irene Richards and by two brothers, Robert E. Richards and Edmund Alfred (known by his religious name as Rev. Richard A. Richards, A.A).  Survivors include several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mary graduated magna cum laude from North Adams State Teachers College and received a Master’s degree from Middlebury College.  She was a lifelong teacher who spent the last twenty seven years of her career in the English Dept. of Bethlehem Central High School. Mary was actively involved in the NYS Retired Teachers Association and served on the board of the Bethlehem Humanity Institute for Lifelong Learning.  A particular highlight in her life was the year she spent travelling the British Isles on a literature sabbatical.

Mary was a thirty year member of the GFWC Delmar Progress Club, serving as club president and chairman of multiple committees at the local, District and State level. She claimed her success in these positions because of her well known “teacher voice”.  Mary never needed a microphone!  She was an avid advocate on saving the environment and never failed in addressing issues regarding the well-being of our planet.

Mary loved opera and especially enjoyed her opera trips to New Mexico, Florida and abroad. She enjoyed classical music, books, and travel.  She was a devoted Red Sox fan as well.  A longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, she served as an extraordinary minister.  She leaves behind many colleagues and dear friends.

Friends may call on Friday, October 29 from 4 to 7p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Saturday, October 30

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. Contributions may be made to Heifer International or Catholic Relief Services.