Alice M. Richmond

Alice Mason Richmond, 96, passed away January 23 at Manchester Manor Convalescent Home. Born and raised in Manchester, with her older sister Mary, her parents were Alice and Samuel Mason. She attended public schools there, participating in numerous sports, which were to be one of the hallmarks of her life as she vigorously pursued golf, tennis, dancing, hiking and any other physical challenges she encountered. Following high school she met and married the love of her life, Nelson Richmond, to whom she was married for 68 years. That union produced three loving daughters: Nancy, Judy, and Betsy, who gave Alice seven grandchildren, all absolutely devoted to their grandmother, and five great grandchildren. As a wife and mother, Alice managed not only her own family, but also became the person on whom the neighborhood and the rest of the family in town relied upon for assistance in emergencies. As a mother, her energies were unsurpassed as she introduced her daughters to a physically vigorous lifestyle which they all pursue to this day. This evolved into a love of Girl Scouting through Manchester's Troop 1 in which all of her daughters actively participated through high school. Alice herself became a Girl Scout volunteer for decades, leading Camp Merrie-Wood and training new scout leaders as Training Coordinator for the Connecticut Valley District of the scouts. She was a lifelong member of South United Methodist Church in which she actively supported and participated until she was no longer able. Alice was a 50 year colon cancer survivor, dealing bravely with the results of the disease, and serving as an advisor to others suffering from the illness through the Ostomy Group. Following Nelson's retirement in 1980 from United Technologies, the Richmonds moved to Sandwich, Massachusetts, where they resided for 25 years before moving back to Manchester. Some years after their return, Nelson became seriously ill, and Alice lovingly and tirelessly cared for him in their home on Wetherell Street until his death in 2010. She spent her last three years as a resident living independently in The Arbors Retirement Community, where she quickly made friends and spread her sweet smile. No one who ever came in contact with Alice failed to notice the radiance of kindness and energy which surrounded her. She is survived by her sister Mary Samuelson (husband Bob) and their children Robert and Susan (husband Paul); her daughters Nancy Seaman (husband Pete), Judy Ryan (husband Tom), Betsy Schulthess (husband Steve); her grandchildren Peter Seaman (wife Marisa), Dan Seaman (wife Julia), Patrick Ryan (wife Julia), Kristen Kobzik (husband Steve), Michael Ryan, Drew Schulthess (wife Brittany), and Lauren Schulthess; and her great grandchildren Logan Seaman, Harlan Seaman, Evie Kobzik, Mason Seaman, and Nora Kobzik. A celebration of Alice's life will be held Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 pm at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main St. Manchester. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alice's memory may be sent to the Visiting Nurse & Health Services Inc. 8 Keynote Dr. Vernon, CT. 06066 and Masonicare Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Service DetailsSaturday, March 7th, 2015 2:00pm, South United Methodist Church
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery