Beth Richwine Obituary

Beth Richwine passed away January 15, 2019 in Takoma Park, Maryland where she had lived with her husband Randall Cleaver for the last 10 years. Beth is also survived by her mother, Alice Richwine of Lexington, VA; sister, Amy Richwine of Lexington, VA; brother, David Richwine of Yorktown, VA; and their families. Beth was born April 25, 1959 in Newport News, VA and graduated from York High School in 1977. She then graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 1981 and went on to get a Masters in Art Conservation from the State University College at Buffalo. Beth followed her passion of working at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as an Objects Conservator for the past 30 years and was able to work on many exciting projects over these years. Beth had a wide variety of hobbies that ranged from making artistic pottery to being a master cheesemaker. She also enjoyed attending art exhibits and festivals with her husband Randy and their many friends. Beth will be greatly missed by Randy, family, and friends.

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Published by Daily Press from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Beth Richwine

11 Entries

donna bristow

December 18, 2024

I would like to know if Beth finished writing the Richwine family history. I would like to know if I can get a copy of the book. My grandmother was Grace Richwine Bristow Plogger.

Jonathan Thornton

March 4, 2019

Beth was my student in objects conservation. She was a wonderful person and babysat for my little girls. She made them two beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs. They managed to break them and were so upset that I put them back together again! I loved having her as a student and then as a colleague. She will be so missed. I last saw her at a conference in Scotland. She was buying beer for her husband Randy!

February 27, 2019

I am sorry to hear that Beth has recently passed away. She was a wonderful colleague and friend. I have fond memories of working with her at NMAH in the 1980's when we were both starting our careers in Object Conservation. My condolences to her family on the loss of this wonderful woman.

Jon Zachman

February 26, 2019

My belated expressions of sorrow and sympathy to Beth's family and friends. I just learned about Beth's passing and it took my breath away. Although it's been many years since I last saw Beth, I fondly remember her from NMAH and shared experiences with mutual friends. She touched many lives, mine among them, and will be greatly missed.

Bonnie Karwac

January 24, 2019

I was so sorry to hear of Beths passing. We were friends when we were both in the C.A.R. And DAR in Yorktown. She was a gifted artist. As a teen she designed and helped start plantings in the herb garden at the Custom House. She even participated in our wedding. I will always regret we lost touch when she moved away. My sympathies to her husband, her Mom, Amy and David.

Lisa Isbell

January 24, 2019

Beth was a year ahead of me in the Conservation training program in Cooperstown. Beth was consistently an encouragement to those around her. She was always sweetly generous, giving of her time and ideas.

Anita Johnson

January 23, 2019

To the family please accept my condolences. I am the daughter of Rosia Lee Murray. I vividly remember Beth at a young age. To the family stay encouraged.
Aniota

ellen benson

January 22, 2019

dear randy, i am so sorry to hear about Beth. I know you enjoyed doing so many things together as real soul mates. what a devastating loss. I'm sure nothing anyone can say or do right now will make things any easier--i hope you are surrounded by love.

Nance

January 22, 2019

Friend and teacher of preservation, conservation and those great DC Mall walks sharing family issues, Beth was all of those and so much more.

Don & Judy Richwine

January 21, 2019

As her aunt and uncle we are devastated by the loss of this young woman who was a member of our wedding party almost 55 years ago.
Beth was the genealogist of our family and always loved history. She will be sorely missed.

January 21, 2019

Beth and I first met in 1984, when we were both working at Colonial Williamsburg, in Williamsburg, VA. While we were never terribly close, she was most definitely a friend as well as a colleague, and always friendly, helpful and generous with her time and talent. This is a great loss to the conservation community, as well as to those of us who and knew admired her.

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