Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Marilyn Richards Obituary
February 19, 1935 - November 8, 2024
Dr. Marilyn Greenblatt Richards of Hickory, NC, passed away on November 8, 2024.
Born in 1935 in Baton Rouge, LA, to Edna and Horace Hoyt Greenblatt, she was the eldest daughter in a family of five siblings. Marilyn cherished her Louisiana family and heritage.
Marilyn received her master's degree from LSU and her doctorate from UGA.
"Doc," as she was affectionately called by her students at Lenoir-Rhyne University, taught human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology for 24 years. Her beloved students cheered her on with a "RUN DOC!" as she enjoyed her jogs around campus.
As a lifelong athlete, she embodied the principles of her teaching specialty and served as an example of the health sciences she loved and taught. She was the first LRU women's tennis team coach and taught swimming, lifesaving, SCUBA, and skiing.
Dr. Richards founded the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Frye Regional Medical Center and Lenoir-Rhyne University.
A love of the ocean and sailing led to her becoming a boat captain in retirement. She celebrated her 80th birthday sailing in Charleston Harbor.
Marilyn served as a Kappa Delta sorority advisor at LRU. After retirement, she was present as her two granddaughters pledged KD. Marilyn was the hit of the pledge class, teaching the pledges a few vintage "party" songs.
A loyal, lifelong Catholic, Marilyn attended St. Aloysius Church since her move to Hickory. She also served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion there for many years.
She leaves behind three children: Chris Richards, Lesley Brown(Lee), and Mark Richards(Eva); along with eight grandchildren: Whitney Curtis(Allen), Alex Bowman, Jonathan Brown, Anna Hobart(Hunter), Mason Brown(Andi), Catherine Morgan, Emma Richards, and Charlie Richards; and five great-grandchildren: Lucy, Cora, George, Sully, and Lewis.
Marilyn is also survived by four siblings and their spouses: H. Hoyt Greenblatt, Jr.(Phyllis), Rosilyn Flanagan(Phil), Roland Greenblatt(Cathy) and Minta Sicard(Daryl); along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Spending precious time with her family was her greatest joy and the source of her greatest pride.
A private funeral mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Trinity Village for their support, care, and concern for our mom. Special thanks to her exceptional PA, Joel Kunze, who was also her anatomy student and lab assistant.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Maryvale Sisters, 2522 June Bug Road, Vale, NC 28168.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Richards
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
2 Entries
DeAnne Morrow
November 16, 2024
It was a pleasure to have known Marlilyn!!! A very intelligent unique individual who always had an informative story or interesting piece of information to tell me daily.
Prayers
Love
Hugs
Family
It was my pleasure to have known Marilyn!
Janet Painter
November 15, 2024
Dr. Richards was an amazing teacher. She taught my swimming class at LRC and worked with my parents for many years as friends and colleagues. My deep condolences to Mark, Leslie, and all of your family. I treasure my memories of Doc.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Marilyn Richards's name
Memorial Events
for Marilyn Richards
Funeral services provided by:
Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601
How to support Marilyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Marilyn Richards's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
