Carol D. Richards

BARRE TOWN – Carol Denton Richards, 71, of Sierra Lavin Road passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the UVM Medical Center after a short but courageous battle with leukemia.

Born on June 3, 1945 in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of Harry and Veronica (Markert) Denton. She grew up in Springfield, MA.

Carol married her husband of fifty years, James Richards of Websterville, VT on September 25, 1966 in Kennebunkport, ME where they lived briefly before settling in Barre. Prior to marrying, Carol and James lived in Saratoga Springs, NY and worked together at Saratoga Springs Racetrack training horses for harness racing.

She graduated from Vermont College/Norwich University with a degree as a Registered Nurse. She was a dedicated nurse that practiced in a variety of specialty settings. She found her calling as a home care provider for children with special needs through Washington County Mental Health. She was committed to helping others. Among family and friends she was known as “Dr. Carol”. She was always only a phone call away and willing to help however she could.

Carol had many loves. Her biggest pride and joy was her family, especially her grandchildren Ben and Leah. When she spoke of them it was with pride and a sparkle in her eye. In her spare time she enjoyed doing many things. Her talents were endless. Those who knew her knew she could do just about anything. She could knit, crochet, paint, sew, weave, cook, garden and recently she even took up wood carving. She loved doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy (which she always answered correctly), vacationing in Maine every year with her best friend Peggy, fishing, and taking rides with her husband, but most of all she loved being with her family.

Survivors include her husband James Richards; her daughters, Sarah Richards of Montpelier, and Hillary Cole and her husband, Gabriel of Williamstown; her grandchildren Benjamin and Leah of Williamstown; several cousins; and Moxie, her beloved Sheepdog that never left her side.

She was predeceased by her parents.

The service to honor and celebrate Carol’s life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Barre Congregational Church. There are no calling hours.