Lolita A. Richard

Lolita Adolphina Richard (maiden name: Palmer) was born on April 14, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to Ollie and Carlotta (maiden name: Hamilton) Palmer. Lolita was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith, which served as the foundation and center of her life. Her parents and brother, Laurence Palmer, preceded her in death.

Lolita attended Saint Anselm Catholic Elementary School in Chicago. She was Salutatorian of her 1950 graduating class at Saint Elizabeth Catholic High School, where she also was a member of the glee club, the school newspaper, and the ladies' basketball team. An exceptional student, Lolita attended DePaul University in Chicago on an academic scholarship. As an undergraduate student, Lolita was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's Beta Chapter in Chicago. Lolita earned her Bachelor's degree in 1954 and a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1969, both from DePaul University. Later, she also earned her Certification in Educational Leadership.

It was at DePaul University where Lolita met Gerald Richard, whom she would marry on October 4, 1953. To this union, four children were born: Gerald II, Lysette, Angelique, and Apryl.

Lolita worked as an educator at various schools for over 40 years, including as a teacher, counselor, director, curriculum coordinator, and assistant principal. Lolita retired in 1994 as Assistant Principal of Walt Disney Magnet School in Chicago, IL. During her career as an educator, Lolita was highly respected and known for her dedicated, kind, creative, and supportive approach.

Lolita was a faithful member of all the parishes at which she worshipped, and devoted her time, talent, and treasure to them all. At Saint Ailbe Catholic Church (Saint Katharine Drexel Parish), she served as a member of the Adult Choir, Women's Club, and the Liturgy, Emmaus Women's Retreat, Eucharistic Ministerial, and Ministers of Care teams. Throughout her life, Lolita regularly said the rosary several times a day. Indeed, she embodied her mantra, "Keep God first," in all aspects of her life.

As the matriarch, Lolita provided unconditional love, protection, encouragement, support, guidance, and comfort. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of faith and trust in God, love of family, education, and giving to others. Lolita lived a well-rounded life full of joy and laughter. She was the center of her family and a part of every moment. Lolita was giving of her time with family, friends, students, colleagues, her church and community. Lolita never stopped learning, teaching, singing, and praising God.

Lolita entered into eternal life on February 24, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Lolita leaves to cherish her memory: son, Gerald Richard II (Curtia); daughters Lysette Bailey (Carl), Angelique Richard, and Apryl Richard Paige (Gary); grandchildren, Bryttney Bailey, Andrea Roberts (Ryan), Paige Bailey, Raven Smith, Richard Bailey, and Jera Richard; great-grandchildren, Laylah Chavez, Leiland Chavez, and Theodore Roberts; as well as a host of other beloved family and friends.

Below are Lolita Richard's funeral arrangements:

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Wake: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Funeral: 11 a.m.

Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church

9015 S. Harper Ave.

Chicago, IL 60619

Donations in Lolita Richard's memory can be made to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (https://www.catholiccharities.net/give/).