Remembrance of the Life of Ann Wall Richards CoL
Posted on December 21, 2024, by Loretto Community
July 16, 1934 – Dec. 21, 2024
Loretto Co-member Ann Wall Richards died Dec. 21, 2024. Ann was a longtime friend of Loretto who was in her seventh year of co-membership.
Below is her obituary, courtesy of Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations of Lakewood, Colo.:
Ann Wall Richards died at the Sunrise Cherry Creek Senior Living Center in Denver at the age of 90. Born in the Philadelphia area, she grew up in Pennsylvania’s West Chester County. She was the daughter of Joseph Wall and Kate Curling Wall. Ann graduated from Manhattanville College, later earning two master’s degrees in English and special education.
She taught English for many years a Metropolitan State University of Denver. As a member of the Colorado Mountain Club, she camped and hiked extensively in the Rockies. A devoted Catholic, she was a lay member of the Sisters of Loretto. Among her many volunteer activities, she served as a 12-step sponsor to countless people seeking freedom from alcohol.
She was married to George J. Miller Esq. from 1958-1983 and to Marlow Richards for six years in the 1990s. She was the mother of Kate, Paul, Meg and Jonathan Miller, grandmother to Blakeley and Sean Derrick, Lowell West, Finnegan Miller and Chelsea Ellison, and great grandmother to Mark Jr., Jack and Patrick Ellison.
A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. MT Feb. 22 at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth Retirement Home, where she spent her final years. An internment ceremony will take place at a later date in Philadelphia.
Please keep Ann and her family in your prayers. May she rest in peace.
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In loving memory of Ann Wall Richards
It was nearly 40 years ago when I met Ann in prison, where she was doing God’s work. I have been absolutely blessed with her dedicated and loyal friendship over these years. A teacher by trade, Ann found me to be a teachable student. We’ve had countless conversations about recovery, life, our experiences, God, scripture and hope.
We read many short stories together then discussed and analyzed them at length. I’ll never forget some of the intellectual conversations we’ve had. We laughed, cried, held hands and prayed. To me Ann was a mentor, a sponsor, support and a true friend. I’ve heard it said that in one’s entire life they will be lucky to have two true friends. Well, Ann is one of mine. There is a warm chamber in my heart filled with love where Ann will reside forever.
Ann loved to travel and in her own way she took me all over the world. I’ve received postcards from Machu Picchu, Singapore, Peru, Alaska, Spain, Costa Rica, New Zealand and several from Colorado, the home state she loved so dearly.
A devout life-long Catholic Ann courageously and unapologetically took her message of love, hope and forgiveness to those places where the devil lives. Her loving smile was a bright warm sunbeam in such cold dark places. She fed the hungry and clothed the naked. She welcomed the outcasts and gave drink to the thirsty. She truly made a difference in the lives of some who no else could reach. Active in her faith she was especially proud of her association with the Sisters of Lorretto. I’m not sure exactly who they are but it was important to Ann and she spoke fondly of them.
Ann was a dedicated soldier for God and I’m sure the day will come when I’ll take solace in knowing that her early suffering is over and she is seated where she belongs, at the right hand side of Jesus’ throne. Until then, my heart is sad and heavy with the terrible loss of such a wonderful friend. She is, and will remain, dearly missed. Until we meet again.
Much love
Marty