Laura Jane Richard

Laura, or Jane as she preferred to be known, age 96, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at her residence at The Terraces of Phoenix. She was born Feb. 24, 1920, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Dorr and Grace Johnson. Having grown up in the Brooklyn/Irish Hills area she attended Hillsdale Teachers College then met and married her husband Robert, and moved to Schenectady, N.Y. Roberts career required moving several times during their long married life, including Waynesboro Va., Pittsfield, Mass., Phoenix. Ariz., Erie, Penn., and finally back to Phoenix upon retirement. She raised four children, as a stay-at-home mother, Helena (William) Frost, Phillip (Lois) Richard, Grace Richard and Elizabeth (Joie) LoCurto. 

 Jane loved to bake and her apple pie was legendary. She was an avid reader and participated in a book club right up until her death. She enjoyed knitting and often wore one of her knitted suits of which she was quite proud. She knitted for all her grandchildren and for her children’s friends, so there are generations of blankets and sweaters in the world that were her creation. She traveled all over the United States and many parts of the world and often spoke of her trip to the Holy Land which was a highlight of her travel adventures. Jane was active in her church and numerous volunteer organizations as well as being a generous donor to a variety of charities

 She is preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Dorr Johnson; her husband, Robert; and brother, Albert Johnson. Surviving are her four children, Helena Frost, Philip Richard, Grace Richard and Elizabeth LoCurto; two nieces Julie (Jerry) Porter and Jackie (Larry) Day; eight grandchildren, William Frost, Leslie Richard, Marnie Richard, Phillip Richard Jr., Justin McNary, Paul (Ceci) Talamonti, Loraine Corn, Pam (Marvin)  Wright; and four great-grandchildren, Joey Corn, Liam Corn, Paul Talamonti Jr., and  Jake Talamonti.  

 She will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held Nov. 10, 2016, at 1 p.m., in the Chapel at The Terraces of Phoenix, 7550 N. 16th St. Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Samaritan’s Purse at Samaritanspurse.org. Click on donate, then memorial giving, donate on a memorial page and enter Jane Richard. Or by sending a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

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