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Celebrating the life of Marlene Ann Richardson
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Obituary for Marlene Ann Richardson
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A celebration of life for Marlene will occur on
Thursday, January 27, 2022
The African Episcopal Church Of Saint Thomas 6361 Lancaster Avenue Philadelphia, Pa. 19151
Viewing: 10:00 -11: 00 a.m.
Requiem Mass: 11:00 a.m.
Go to www.cwoodfh.com . Click the third box under Marlene's picture Click "watch Webcast:"
The Live Stream Service will begin at: 10:45 a.m.
In lieu please make an Memorial Donations to Alzheimer's Disease Research.
Alzheimer's Disease Research Or Alzheimer's Association
We request family and friends who prefer to send plants or flowers, to coordinate with one of the following reliable local florists:..
Have the florist deliver your selection to the church no later than 8:30 a.m. the day of the service.
DUE TO A GLITCH IN OUR SYSTEM PLEASE DISREGARD THE FOLLOWING NOTATION REGARDING ANY ORDERS INCLUDING FLOWERS, CANDLES OR MEMORIAL TREE PLANTINGS WITH THE TRIBUTE STORE!!!! THANK YOU!!
Life Story
Marlene Ann Richardson was born September 30th , 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Clifford Preston and Naomi Bright Bay top. She was preceded in death by her older sister, Millicent Gayle.
As a child, Marlene was baptized and later confirmed at the African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas. Throughout the years she was an active parishioner participating in various committees and organizations. In later years she demonstrated a special fondness for Senior Partners, Wednesday’s Healing Mass, and the Bible study group (often referred to as the “Lunch Bunch”). She was a faithful and committed member of her church dedicating her time, talents, and treasures.
Educated in the Philadelphia Public School System, Marlene graduated from Overbrook High School in 1952. For several years, she was employed as an Administrative Assistant with the Philadelphia Police Department, where she met her husband, Police Officer John Richardson. The two went on to marry, September 16th , 1967, and from this union two children were born, John Hubert III and JoAnn Sinclair. She considered herself blessed to welcome with open arms two additional children, as she regarded her son-in-law, Jeffrey and daughter-in- law, Nicole.
A dedicated and devoted mother, Marlene left the Philadelphia Police Department to remain home to raise her children. After doing so, she returned to the workforce to work in tandem with her friend Lydia, who operated a beauty supply distribution company.
“Mrs. Mar” or “Momma Rich” as she was affectionately known, was a compassionate, earnest, equitable soul who possessed an understated elegance. She was an incredibly generous and charitable woman, who found joy and purpose in contributing to many worthy causes, especially to those pertaining to
animals. She firmly believed and would often be heard referring to the Biblical wisdom of, “a closed hand cannot receive.”
Even though Marlene was a private person she had many friends and associates. She enjoyed the cultural and performing arts, fine dining, playing pinochle, spending time with her family, and traveling to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with her husband John. While an avid reader, she thoroughly enjoyed following figure skating, tennis, golf, gymnastics, and equestrian events.
Despite her failing health her faith formation was not deterred. She continued to study the Bible and turn to the Book of Common Prayer, practicing and leaning into her steadfast faith. Marlene departed this life, Tuesday, January 18th , 2022, at home with her loving and dedicated family by her side. She leaves to cherish her precious memories and unconditional love: her husband, John Jr.; two children, John III (Nicole), JoAnn (Jeffrey); four grandchildren whom she also adored, Christy, Payton, Nicholas, and Noah; her life-long and dear friend, Joyce Stewart; dear friend, Lydia Boyd; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
