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Wendy Richard Obituary
Richard's agent, Kevin Francis, said she died in a London clinic with husband John Burns by her side.
Born Wendy Emerton, Richard was raised above the pub her parents ran in central London. She left school at 15 and worked at the Fortnum and Mason department store before studying drama.
She had parts in several of the cheap-and-cheerful "Carry On" film comedies, and in TV shows including "Up Pompeii!" and "The Likely Lads" before becoming famous as Miss Brahms, a staff member of the fictional Grace Brothers department store in 1970s sitcom "Are You Being Served?"
Richard was known to millions around the world as put-upon matriarch Pauline Fowler in "EastEnders," a long-running soap se t in a close-knit east London neighborhood. Richard appeared in the show's first episode in 1985 and stayed for 21 years, depicting Pauline through trials that included her daughter's teen pregnancy, her son's HIV diagnosis and her husband's breakdown, imprisonment and death.
Richard was diagnosed with cancer in the mid-1990s and again in 2002, and learned last year that the disease had returned and spread.
She is survived by Burns, her long-term partner and fourth husband, whom she married in October.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
96 Entries
karen alston
January 26, 2015
Just to think your light has left us what a light it was now you will shine your light in the sky for all to see .
james perry
August 19, 2014
Wendy.....you added so much to our lives through your acting. Thank you.
john earle westbrook
March 19, 2013
Sweet Jesus, please provide strength and comfort for her family and close friends. Oh Lord, hear my prayer.
shirley crabtree
December 31, 2011
youwillbemissedloveyou
How you can show support
Melissa Cox
October 29, 2010
Such a lovely lady and a great talent. I will miss her, but am grateful for her work which remains forever. God Bless you, Wendy.
March 29, 2010
For Wendy...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Wayne Mozingo
November 28, 2009
I enjoyed Wendy in Dad's Army, but she was the greatest in AYBS. It is truly sad that both Wendy and Mollie passed away this year. Their loss touched all of us that still watch them every week. My sincere sympathy to Wendy's family.
Rosie McNaughton
July 17, 2009
My condolences to Wendy's friends and family. I know of her mostly from being addicted to "Are You Being Served". We have the series on DVD and will continue to enjoy her antics along with all the others who were so funny. What fun they all have been! What a loss for us all.
Joanna Silberman
March 13, 2009
My love for British humor and acting was only enhanced by Ms. Richard's talent and grace. Her contribution to "Eastenders" and "Are You Being Served" had me waiting to view the next broadcast each week! I am quite sure she will be thought of often by all her knew her personally and through her TV work.I know I will.
Dennis Whaple
March 12, 2009
I will always love your part in "Being Served" as Miss Brahms. The world is that much poorer because you and your talent are now missing.
Marie McCormick
March 12, 2009
My condolences to the family of Ms. Richards - Auntie Pauline. Eastenders has not been the same since she left. Rest in peace.
Linda Simister
March 11, 2009
It was so upsetting to see you leave Eastenders as. You were a wonderful actress. It was more upsetting to hear that you had fallen permantly asleep. Im sure there will have been more tears than leaves in the world as there will have been that many fans as well as family and friends so sorry to hear the news. The only good bit is you are no longer in pain so R I P Wendy. From Linda Simister
Linda Simister
March 11, 2009
It was so upsetting to see you leave Eastenders as. You were a wonderful actress. It was more upsetting to hear that you had fallen permantly asleep Im sure there will have been more tears than leaves in the world as there will have been that many fans as well as family and friends so sorry to hear the news. the only good bit is you are no longer in pain so R I P Wendy. From Linda Simister
Bob and Diana Lanier
March 9, 2009
Farewell, "Ms. Brown." We'll miss you. We loved you in both "East End" and "Are You Being Served." The world will be less funny without you. Rest in Peace, dear lady.
Miriam Leiseroff
March 7, 2009
I was shocked to hear that Wendy Richard has died. I live in California and only knew her from "Are you being served" which I absolutely loved. I taped most of the shows that were broadcast by a local public TV station. These tapes I can watch over and over again. My heart goes out to her husband for this terrible loss. Wendy was a great comedienne and actress. May her memory be a blessing.
Lori M
March 5, 2009
Thank you Ms. Richards for all the years of laughs on Are You Being Served? And the wonderful acting on Eastenders. Thank you to her family for sharing her with all of us these many years, my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Stacey Barber
March 5, 2009
Classy, sexy, funny, beautiful Lady. A Star in one of the best clean comedies ever. Hours of enjoyment. That was Ms. Richard.
Geraldine Stokes
March 5, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Wendy Richards. I loved you on AYBS. I met Mr.Humphrey's at a Detroit PBS fund raisor. I will think of you both. Thanks for the laughs.
carol hopper
March 5, 2009
wendy was a very funny lady who bought many hours of pleasure to my son and myself. we recently rented are you being serverd. it was good to see the old cast and laught with them once more. she will be greatly missed by all. god bless wendy.
Rose Worthem
March 5, 2009
Wow, my condolences to the family. I like many have watched her on Are You Being Served. She will be missed by many. RIP Wendy.
S. Griffin
March 5, 2009
Richard Family:
Please accept my condolences for your loss, may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of grief. 2Corinthians 1:4
Elizabeth QE3
March 4, 2009
Since 1986, when EastEnders hit the PBS channel (KTEH San Jose CA) we have watched and loved Wendy Richard in this wonderful show. We even turned to digital tv in 2001 so that we could watch the brief BBC America stint of Eastenders before it was inextricably cut off, supposedly because there were not enough American viewers to make continuing the broadcast feasible. So we have contented ourselves with watching 5 year old tapings of this show which fortunately still run on KTEH, at this time 3 days per week. She will be well remembered for her excellence in portraying her character Pauline Fowler, a woman who never wavered. RIP Wendy Richard!!! WELL DONE!
AJ .
March 4, 2009
THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS!
Velma Duenas
March 4, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Brad Stueber
March 4, 2009
I am deeply saddened to see Wendy pass from us. I feel as though I have lost a dear friend. I have watched her weekly on reruns of "Are You Being Served" and other series and programs she has been on since. She poured her life into entertaining us and did an AAA+++ job of it in my book. Wendy, we love you and will never forget you. I know I will continue seeing you on reruns and on my DVD's of the series you were in and will most certainly be wiping away a few tears every now and then while watching them. God bless you and rest in peace now, dear one. You deserve God's best.
Craig Marcheskie
March 4, 2009
It was very sad to here of the passing of Wendy Richard. My whole family loves to watch "Are You Being Served. The show was done so well that you felt like you knew everyone on a personal basis. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
A. W.
March 4, 2009
To the family of Wendy Richard
I was very sorry to hear about Ms. Richard. I've enjoyed watching her on AYBS for many years. May you find comfort in your memories of her. The Bible holds out a wonderful hope for those who have died, and of a time when we will no longer experience such sadness and grief. (John 5:28,29;Rev. 21:3,4)
Donna
March 4, 2009
I was really saddened to hear of Wendy Richard's death. I came to love her as Pauline Fowler on East Enders. She is was a great actress and I will miss her terribly.
Mary Boysen
March 4, 2009
Wendy will be missed. I loved her in Grace Brother as the cheeky Miss Brahms.
Stuart Brittingham
March 4, 2009
Thank you for the entertainment that you provided over the years. Your talent will be missed.
Lynne Brown
March 4, 2009
To the Richard family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I loved watching Wendy in her sitcoms. She will surely be missed.
Ann
March 3, 2009
Wendy,
We on the "other side of the pond" loved your Ms. Brahms on AYBS. Thanks for bringing us so many laughs! RIP
Cecilia Paone
March 3, 2009
To the Family of Ms Richard...As a devoted fan of EastEnders, I will miss her character Pauline...she was the one in the family that always pulled it together. She was a great actress and will be sorely missed.
Linda
March 3, 2009
My mother in law introduced me to 'Are You Being Served?' Loved Wendy's Miss Brahms. Rest in Peace!
Tia Jackson
March 3, 2009
My sincere condolences on your loss and may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with in your time of grief. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Pat Griffin
March 3, 2009
I have watch you in both Are You Being Served and East Enders. You were an inspiration to us all.
wendi ackles
March 3, 2009
Wendy was my favorite actor on Are you being served. I will surely miss her alot. Wendy is an inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and fans like myself.. Rest in Peace
Marie Charpentier
March 2, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wendy Richard. I loved her in Are You Being Served and I still watch it faithfully every night. I never tire of it. I thought she was a very classy lady. May she rest in peace.
Maria Ruggiero
March 2, 2009
My deepest, heartfelt condoloences go to Wendy Richard's husband and family. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her in 'Are You Being Served'. Miss Brahms, you've done very well!' Wendy, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Dawn
March 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Susan and Kevin McCarthy
March 2, 2009
I'm sorry to hear of Wendy's passing. I loved her acting. My mother watched all the British sitcoms, Eastenders and Are You Being Served among them. I soon became a big fan. For the family, there is nothing anyone can say to ease your pain. I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs of Loving thoughts to you all.
Karen Johnson
March 2, 2009
Thank you Miss Brahms!
You've done very well!
Bill Carroll
March 2, 2009
I loved and still love watching her on Are You Being Served. Her talents were fantastic. God Bless You. My sympathy to friends and family around the world
John Rowe
March 2, 2009
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of my favorite stars on the best television show of all time, 'Are You Being Served?'. Thank you Miss Brahms for the many wonderful hours we spent watching you and the other members of the outstanding cast as you portrayed the antics and foibles of the staff at Grace Brothers Department Store. Your memory will live on forever in these classic productions. May God Bless.
Susan Oswalt
March 2, 2009
Miss Brahms,
Are you free?
Kelly Shoemaker Perry
March 2, 2009
I'm saddened to hear of Ms. Richard's passing. My heart goes out to her husband, family, and loved ones. Thank you Wendy for being such a big part of my Sunday Night ritual of watching Eastenders for many years. That is where my love of BBS started on our local Channel 8 here in Houston, Texas, USA. I just loved Pauline Fowler!
Tamerra Bramblett
March 2, 2009
I am absolutely devestated over this news. I have been a fan of AYBS? for years! I haven't seen EastEnders much since I live in the States but I know she must have been brilliant in the role. She will be missed by my husband and myself greatly!
gen todd
March 2, 2009
To the family of Wendy Richard- she may have left us to a new home- but she will not be forgotten here with us- as an actress she made us laugh, in remembrance of her- cherish her life as she would have wanted us too- she may be gone but never forgotten-
Marilyn Ross
March 2, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Wendy's family.
I am a big fan of East Enders and was very disappointed when it was no longer shown here in the USA.
Rest in peace we will always remember you.
Mary Patterson
March 1, 2009
May God bless you and grant you fond memories families of Miss Brahms. I enjoyed "Are You Being Served?".
Norma Wyatt
March 1, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Ron King
March 1, 2009
Mr. Humphries is also free, and waiting for you Miss Brahms, sleep well.
lisa ogletree
March 1, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
C F
March 1, 2009
God grant you eternal rest and peace. Will always cherish your dedication to your profession and your Miss Brahms character role!
Kelly Akers
March 1, 2009
Rest in Peace Wendy Richard..We will always love you!
Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)
March 1, 2009
Rest in peace and thank you.
John Wood
February 28, 2009
Rest in peace, Miss Brahms...you are now "Free". We love you and will always love you.
Muffy
February 28, 2009
My condolences go out to Wendy's husband and friends.
I enjoyed her perfomances, especially the sassy Miss Brahms. Now our "Shirley" has been reunited with "Wilberforce" and "Ernest."
Daniels
February 28, 2009
We offer our sincere condolences to Wendy's family. May you find much needed comfort in your precious memories. (Isa 25:9)
Felix Locklin
February 27, 2009
I send my sincere condolences to the Emerton and Burns family. She was a very lovely character on the "Are You Being Served" comedy show. May she rest in peace!
Sarah
February 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Wendy Richard and her family. She was such an excellent actress and brought so many people years of enjoyment through her craft. Rest in peace, Wendy, you will be missed.
Greta Imwiehe
February 27, 2009
My condolences go out to the family. During my battle with cancer I watched "Our You Being Served" for the first time which brought me great laughter. Later, I also worked part time as a store clerk in part because of the show. Thanks.
Shirley Israel-Thau
February 27, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear of Wendy Richard's death & at such a young age. I always enjoyed her in "Eastenders" when it was available in Canada, as well as "Are You Being Served?". My sincere condolences to her family.
Dean
February 27, 2009
Wendy,
You have left me a little sadder here on Earth, but you are going to make heaven a happy place!
Thanks for all of the laughs,
My condolences to your family,
Fran Bowman
February 27, 2009
I extend my condolences to the family of Wendy Richard. She will be remembered for her brilliance as "Pauline" and Miss Brahms. Wendy, thank you for all the laughs through the years.
Adam Family
February 27, 2009
Miss Brahms, Thank you for the all the laughs. Our family sends our sympathy to your family. I'm so glad I have you on DVD. Hug Mr Humphries for all of us. We will miss you.
Karen Strader
February 27, 2009
We Love you Wendy, we will miss you terribly. Rest in Peace
M. J.
February 27, 2009
To Wendy's family my condolences for your loss. I loved Wendy in Are You Being Served and Eastenders. She was a great actress. She will be missed.
Laura Lehman
February 27, 2009
Rest in Peace Miss Brahms help keeping Mr Humphries laughing when you visiting him in heaven and we will miss you in America
Carole Landis
February 27, 2009
So very sad to read of Ms. Richard's passing. I only knew her as Miss Brahms, and she never failed to crack me up. I still see the show on Saturday nights on the local PBS station, and it's still a treat to watch her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Barbara and Jim Koch
February 27, 2009
You will be sorely missed! I just loved you in "ARE YOU BEING SERVED?" You were the greatest with Ms. Slocum and the rest of the folks. Now you can keep Mr. Humphries company and make all the angels laugh! Love and Kisses to one of my favorite TV stars
Grace Villa
February 27, 2009
Wendy, you brought laughter to an aging New Englander when he needed it most. May you rest in peace. When yo get to heaven , you will have the biggest "fan club" ever.
February 27, 2009
To Miss Brahms ( Wendy), I will miss you but you have Mr. Humphries up there with you now he is free now and so are you .. you and he made the show Are you being served I watch it every night and Saturday on my PBS station. I love you and God Bless you.
A fan
Edna Butler
Crawfordville,Florida
February 27, 2009
To Miss Brahms ( Wendy), I will miss you but you have Mr. Humphries up there with you now he is free now and so are you .. you and her made the shw Are you being served I watch it every night and Saturday on my PBS station. I love you and God Bless you.
A fan
Edna Butler
Crawfordville,Florida
Brian Paris
February 27, 2009
Wendy, say hello to Mr. Humphries and the rest of the gang.... You'll be missed!
Sandy Legasey
February 27, 2009
Wendy you made many a day happy in my household with all your antics on "Are You Being Served" and "Grace and Favor". I knew you had been ill but I thought you were one of the lucky ones who finally beat it. You were a great lady who be sadly missed.
Ginger Hoffman
February 27, 2009
Thank you "Miss Brahms" for all the laughter you brought in our lives. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Sheriff John T. McDevitt
February 27, 2009
I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. Only those who have lost a loved one can know the depth of your feelings. I have experienced the death of my parents, a child and my grandparents. I know how difficult these times can be for those left behind.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you. God bless you and your family during this difficult time and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Velma Mayeaux-Berniard
February 27, 2009
To the family and friends of Wendy Richard may you rest in peace you are making the angels in heaven rejoice what that lovely face that brighter a smile on anybody face.You will be miss on the East Enders and Are Being Servered.RIP and God Bless You my English Dame.
Patti
February 27, 2009
I loved her in Are You Being Served! One of my all time favorite shows, You may now rest with the angels, but know that you will be missed.
Sheila Smith
February 27, 2009
May the angels lead you into paradise.
Margaret Osborne (ex pat)
February 26, 2009
God Bless Wendy, it has been a pleasure to watch you over the years. From Miss Brahms to Pauline Fowler, you were great. My husband and I never miss 'Are you being Served', the old jokes never fail to raise a smile.
Hinton
February 26, 2009
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May God grant you peace at this time. "and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." - 2nd Philip. 4:7. Your family and friends will be in my prayers.
Gary L. Dobbins
February 26, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Wendy's family. I thought Wendy was as beautiful as her talent! I won't ever forget the character she played on"Are you being served." I will surely miss her. I feel that I knew her,but never got to meet her.
Edward Perinoni
February 26, 2009
I was a big fan of hers when she was on
" Are You Being Served." That whole cast was great, they made me laugh, and that is what people need now a days a good laugh. Thank you.
Rose Hardgraves
February 26, 2009
I first knew Wendy in "The East-Enders" and was delighted to find her in the British Comedy:"Are You Being Served?".
I have thought of her often and wondered what she was doing.
To her surviving family: Please know that she made her mark and she will be missed.
Alex DeStefano
February 26, 2009
May God rest Miss Richards soul. i am sorry to hear of Wendy's passing. I am a long time fan of Eastenders and Are You Being Served. She was wonderful actress .
Jill Skornia
February 26, 2009
I was so sad to hear of Wendy Richards passing. I was a big fan of Are You Being Served, she was a great actress and will be greatly missed.
D. ZIMMERMAN
February 26, 2009
REST IN PEACE WENDY RICHARD
Lorna Bell
February 26, 2009
Oh this is very sad. My condolences to the family and friends of Wendy Richard. I enjoyed watching her in EastEnders, and Are you Being Served?. Until recently, I didn't even know she had been in the movie HELP! but her scene got cut! Thanks for all the great years of laughter and drama. God Bless you Wendy.
C B Meier
February 26, 2009
From Your Fans in Fort Worth, Texas. We were blessed with your love and talent. Thank you. You will be missed.
Gail Siegel
February 26, 2009
I was shocked to learn of your passing as I never knew you were sick. You left this Earth much too young.
At least, I get to still enjoy your acting while laughing at 'Are You Being Served".
Rest In Peace, Wendy Richard.
Chele
February 26, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jeanne B
February 26, 2009
God Bless You, "Mrs. Fowler". Until PBS and BBC America stopped carrying it, I was a longtime fan of EastEnders. You were fantastic in the role and a joy to watch. My condolences to your family and friends.
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