Marion E. "Bette" (Washburn) Richardson, 86, longtime resident of
Mulholland Drive, Ipswich, died Wednesday, September 11, 2013 in her
home following a long illness. She was the wife of the late John L.
Richardson.
Born in Leesburg, FL, January 1, 1927, daughter of the late Charles
I. and Florence M. (Watson) Washburn, she was raised in Waltham,
a graduate of Waltham High School. Married in 1947 the Richardson
made their home and raised their family on Mill street in Belmont.
During more than fifteen of these years she was employed as an
auditor with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. Following
her retirement the Richardsons moved to their home on Great Neck in
Ipswich.
She
enjoyed the arts, walks on the beach and activities of all sorts
with her friends. Bette will be remembered by her many friends for
her sense of adventure and willingness to help. She was an active
board member of the Friends of the Ipswich Library, a member of the
Ipswich Historical Society, was a volunteer at the Ipswich
Information Center and a member of the Trustees of the
Reservations. For many years she served as a docent giving tours of
the Crane Great House.
She
is survived by two sons, Robert W. Richardson and his wife Cynthia
of Gilmanton, NH and John L. Richardson, Jr. and his wife Deirdre of
Stoneham, and five grandchildren.
A
memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, September 28 in the
Ascension Memorial Church, 31 County Street, Ipswich. Family and
friends are respectfully welcomed. Arrangements are under the
direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich.
In
lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to
Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite
B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 and Friends of the Ipswich Library, Box
157, Ipswich, MA 01938.
