Mary Lou Richardson

BARRE - On July 27, 2024, our beloved sister, Mary Lou Richardson, 73, passed away very unexpectedly. Leaving a void in the hearts of family and friends that can never be refilled. Mary Lou was born in Montpelier, VT then soon moved to Barre where she remained the rest of her life.

Graduating from Marion High School, she then attended UVM college where she received her degree in Elementary Education and so began her teaching career. After a short time working at St. Monica’s as an aide, she then became a classroom teacher at St. Michael’s Elementary in Montpelier in 1975, teaching all subjects and sharing her passion for science and the environment. She helped to organize many school events and was willing to lend her talents and leadership skills to be the “Teacher in Charge.” Highly respected by her fellow teachers and staff, she was always willing to mentor new student teachers and take them under her wing. She then continued her career at St. Michael/St. Monica school after their merge in 2008. In 2017, she would retire after 42 years of teaching in the Catholic education system. With her love of children and education, she continued to teach part-time at Berlin Elementary.

Always up for some adventure, she became an avid kayaker with a love for nature and all its creatures. She also enjoyed traveling the country with family and close friends, visiting many National Parks. Also visiting East Africa in her earlier years to visit her sister and family where they went on safaris into the African bush country. Spending many summers “working” at her brother and life partner’s sporting camps in the Northwoods of Maine.

She is survived by her siblings Jim Richardson and his partner Connie Lillie, John Richardson and life partner Regina Webster, Shonnie Foran, Dianne Richardson, Mike Richardson and his partner Gen Hagopian, Peter Richardson and wife, Stephanie, Renee Richardson, wife of late Rick Richardson. Along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She will be joined on the other side of life to be with her Mom and Dad, siblings Judy Devries and Rick Richardson and nephew Lucas Richardson. She especially loved her 3 golden retrievers that are reunited with her now.

She will be greatly missed but we will be inspired by her great love of family, friends and nature. We love you, Lou.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Canadian Club, 414 E Montpelier Rd, Barre, VT  on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 1-5pm.