Obituary of Jean M. Richards

North Creek, NY/South Burlington, VT: Jean M. Richards, 80, of Aspen Drive and formerly North Creek , NY, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 14, 2015, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston, after a five year battle with cancer. Born January 6, 1935, in Glens Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Thelma (Wells) Vanderwarker of North Creek, NY. Jean graduated from Minerva Central School in 1952, before furthering her education at Mildred Elley Secretarial School, Albany, NY, and obtaining her certificate in 1953. She married Thomas Richards on June 24, 1956 at the North Chester Baptist Church. The couple relocated several times, residing in Milwaukee, WI, Saratoga Springs, NY, Wappingers Falls, NY, Port Ewen, NY, and North Creek, NY. Throughout the years, she was employed by several companies, including General Electric Co. in both Schenectady, NY and in Milwaukee, WI, the Saratoga County Mental Health Clinic, Saratoga Springs, NY, and the Wappingers Central School District, Wappingers Falls, NY, from where she retired in 1995. After moving to South Burlington, VT, in 2000, to be near her children, who were both living in Vermont at the time, she worked part-time at the Christmas Loft, and volunteered for several organizations through the United Way’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Jean received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008 for having volunteered more than 1,000 hours. Jean attended the First Congregational Church in Burlington, VT, but maintained her membership at the North Creek United Methodist Church in North Creek, NY, as well. Her greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her family and friends, and she especially enjoyed the musicality of her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, Thomas G. Richards. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Richards and his wife, Kim (Layton), of Stanley, NC; a daughter Lynn Banach and her husband, Albert, of Colchester, VT; grandchildren, Julianna and AJ Banach of Colchester, VT, and Alicia Banach and her fiancée, Brigitte LaChance, of Burlington, VT. Jean is also survived by her sister, Joan Schreiner and her husband, John, of Loudonville, NY; her brother Jack Vanderwarker and his wife, Judy (McNally), of North Creek, NY, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Jean’s family from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate her life will immediately follow the visitation at 1 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Stephen Andrews, Pastor of the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be conducted in the spring in Warrensburg Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Jean’s memory to the Vermont Cancer Center, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405 or to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.