Nancy Richards

Nancy Richards obituary

Nancy Richards

Nancy Richards Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 14 to Oct. 16, 2012.
Richards, Nancy Nancy Richards died on October 12, 2012, at the sinfully young age of 71. She was born Nancy Joan Walkup, May 4, 1941, and grew up on West Sunny- slope, in Edina, the younger sister of Bunnie Herrick, daughter of Helen and Bob Walkup: a place and home that forever determined the gracious manner with which she entered the world. She spent her summers swimming in Theodore Wirth Lake with the Aqua Follies, or else floating down Minnehaha Creek, which ran through her backyard. She met the love of her life, Freddie Richards, across the street from the creek, at the old Wooddale Grade School. Fred promised himself to Nancy at their high school graduation, yet she flew away to Colorado Women's College with her best friend, Janet Crist. Then again, Nancy moved to Salt Lake City, taking a job as a stewardess for Western Airlines, occasionally nibbling off passengers' shrimp cocktail, though never enough to cause her to exceed the airline's strict guidelines for height to weight ratios; instead, it was Fred's marriage proposal in 1963 that banished Nancy from the merciless industry. Back in Minneapolis, Nancy took a job at Mazey's Flower Shop, using her wages to finance Fred's law degree. They returned to Edina, and eventually brought three children into the world: Fritz, Katie and Tory. Nancy went to work teaching them - and countless others - how to laugh, when to hold on and when to let go, and how to ski, often leading a caravan of station wagons through the never-ending darkness of a still Nebraska night and into the Rocky Mountains so that her kids could ski Aspen, before it was Aspen. Nancy was famous for her positivity and genuine kindness, especially upon her return to the airline industry. Nancy was so well-thought of at Sun Country Airlines that she returned after her initial retirement, this time as the company's random drug tester, because, they reasoned, "nobody can get angry with Nancy." The same was true of her relationship with her children's spouses, Ilrid, Mike and AJ, whose unconditional love for her children often left her in awe. Nancy spent the balance of her time walking around the lake with her beloveds, or else in Florida, taking care of Freddie, making friends with the Quarry (and everyone they met along the way), and insuring that her grandchildren - Tommy, Charlotte, Wyatt, Gavin, Atticus and Oliver - grew into expert swimmers, capable of joining her on the still-sweet waters of Minnehaha Creek. Though many will argue, Nancy was not perfect; perfect was how she saw the world. For this reason, she died with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for every person and place that made her life so meaningful - aren't we lucky. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 17, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4439 West 50th Street, Edina, Minnesota 55424, at 11:00 AM to honor and celebrate Nancy's life. A gathering will immediately follow the service at Edina Country Club. Memorials may be directed to the Evans Scholars Minnesota Chapter, c/o Western Golf Association, 1 Briar Road, Golf, Illinois 60029, or the Piper Cancer Clinic at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Piper Building, 913 E. 26th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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Sign Nancy Richards's Guest Book

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October 8, 2024

Michael and Donna Cummings posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2023

Donna Cummings posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2019

Alfred Ulvog posted to the memorial.

Michael and Donna Cummings

October 8, 2024

The last hymn " You A My Sunshine". Nancy was everyone's Sunshine

Donna Cummings

October 8, 2023

Very often when I golf I think of and Quote Nancy,
" you have to par a hole in order to have a glass of wine that evening" A wise woman !
Weren't we lucky to have known her.

Alfred Ulvog

October 8, 2019

I know that Nancy would have enjoyed the 60th high school class reunion we had last month! Her sparkle and friendly personality would have lit up the room. She and Fred made an awesome pair and added special fun to every party they attended! These days time seems to pass quickly but memories linger for us to recollect. It was a special time in our lives and weren't we fortunate to be apart of those wonderful years?!

Eva and James Seed

October 24, 2012

Nancy was one of a kind. We will sorely miss her sunny nature, fun personality and her incredible courage in the face of her terrible illness.
James and I will be forever greatful she introduced her wonderful son Fritz to Ilrid.
With much Love, Eva and James Seed
East Greenwich, RI

October 19, 2012

During my years as a flight mechanic at Sun country, no one ever made me feel more comfortable, proud, and welcome to be there flying with her and the others. She always wanted me to call her "mom" , and took care of everyone, with ease and pleasure..A truely great lady , and will be missed dearly,, My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone ! Marc Reser

Adam&Allison Seed

October 19, 2012

Our memory of the twinkle in Nancy's eyes and bubbly presence will not fade. "Aren't we lucky" is another impression she made that we'll carry with us. What a great lady she is.
Much love,

Nancy Bloms

October 19, 2012

Nancy will be missed and remembered always by the many people that worked with her a Sun Country Airlines.

Angela & Cassidy Gyetvan

October 17, 2012

Dearest Fred & family - simply knowing Nancy was a gift. Her spirit, her energy, and her irrepressible generosity shone bright, usually putting the rest of us to shame. I am so sorry she has left us. The world is not quite so lovely without her. You're in our thoughts & hearts.

Merrily Goodell

October 17, 2012

Nancy was one of the first people I came to know working at Sun Country's Headquarters. Her genuine warmth, easy smile and contagious laughter made it a wonderful place to work. I was sad when I learned of her decision to retire but so glad she took those--too short- years to enjoy her time with her "(my)Freddie" and her family. As others have mentioned, a special light has gone from our lives. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Heartfelt condolensces to Fred and family.

Roisin Laskin

October 17, 2012

Dear Richards Family -
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
Roisin and Gary Laskin

October 17, 2012

Nancy defined the epitome of class and good nature. Her legacy impacts all who knew and loved her. She was special.

Jim and Jane Wayne

Mavis & Bob Schwartz

October 16, 2012

We were sorry to read of Nancy's passing. It was obvious how dear she was to you and your family. You have our sympathy.

Mark & Lisa Ondrey

October 16, 2012

With love and thanks for knowing Nancy and all the wonderful she instilled in everyone around her.

With our deepest sympathies,

Megan Guhl

October 16, 2012

What a wonderful tribute to such a lovely lady. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to all the Richards and her many friends. She was such a bright light and I know you will miss her dearly. I got to hear that laugh one last time a year ago when she came to my Mom's service, it meant so much to me and my family that she was there. Lots of love and peace tomorrow and in the coming months.

October 16, 2012

Dear Fred and Family,

Judy and I are saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. We know that you will miss her and so will the entire community. We know that the Grace of God will get you through this difficult time. Judy and Gordy Knudsvig

October 16, 2012

You always knew when Nancy was around because things would get done. You would dance (literally) right through the most difficult projects when Nancy was involved.
One of her many passions was gardening and she brightened up everyone's world with her special touch.
Hugs to all who had the pleasure of knowing Nancy!

Sue Brooksbank

October 16, 2012

Nancy was a friend in high school and was always where the action was. I hadn't seen her in years but remember her well and glad I had known her. Lucille Nelson{slette} class of 1959

Stacy Fraser

October 16, 2012

Beautiful tribute to Nancy's life - I was fortunate enough to have known Nancy when I worked at Sun Country and bumped into her every once in awhile in the past 12 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Kim Schoeller-Kimball

October 16, 2012

Tory and family,

I have so many special memories of Nancy from growing up. Bluebirds and Campfire Girl days wouldn't have been the same without her smile, energy and compassion! She was an amazing woman and will be missed by those whose lives she touched...Deepest Sympathies to you all!

Johnny Bumpers

October 16, 2012

The world just lost one of the greatest ladies I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Ms. Richards was always one of my favorite flight attendants to have on board. Her smile would light the world in darkness. I am deeply saddened at her passing from this life, but I know that she has gone on to a greater life with Jesus Christ, and I know that I will one day see her again in Heaven. May GOD bless Freddie and the kids during this time of grief. Nancy will be missed tremendously.

October 16, 2012

Fred - I learned of Nancy's passing while on my way back to AZ for the winter. I remember her as a person of great warmth with a devilish sense of humor and laugh that went with it. She was one of my favorite people. I know how much she will be missed by all that knew her, but especially by you and your family. My deepest condolences to you all.

Bob Johnson

Donna Roback

October 15, 2012

Fritz and family,
Our family feels your loss. Our thoughts and love are with you at this very difficult time.
Fondly,
Donna Roback & Family

Laura Monea

October 15, 2012

My prayers. Nancy was a light in this world and she will be greatly missed.

October 15, 2012

Thinking of you, your kids and grandkids, Freddie... I have Nancy to thank for my flight attendant career at Sun Country, it was her enthusiasm and high recommendation that made me want to apply for the job! So sorry for your loss, Nancy was a beautiful soul. Love- Amy and Don Berry

Piper Larson

October 15, 2012

Tory (and Family),
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I only heard the nicest things about her, what a great person she was and how much she will be missed.
Sincerely,
Piper Larson

Susan Howl

October 15, 2012

When Fred was Mayor and my daughter Carrie and Tory became pals, I was blessed to have made the acquaintance of the sparkly and loving wife/mother named Nancy. She had that special way of making me laugh or smile. What a sweetie! The hearts of this community ache with the loss of such a wonderful person.

Tracy Christianson (Wade)

October 15, 2012

My path first crossed with Nancy's when she was working in the office at Sun Country Airlines. I was a very shy, young college student and she took me under her wing for my first day working as the front desk receptionist. She gave me a little bracelet to wear for the day. We had dinner earlier this year and Nancy gave me back that bracelet as a memory of her. Nancy Richards was one of the greatest people that I have ever met. "Aren't we lucky" is right. I will never forget little Miss Sunshine.

October 15, 2012

Tory, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I remember her so fondly ... a special person and such a wonderful influence on all of your friends. I'm thankful that I recently had a few moments with you to share your thoughts of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Hugs and love from Lucy Sameluk

October 15, 2012

We just learned of the passing of Nancy (or Mrs. Richards as I knew her). What a great example of living life with a caring, positive attitude. I and my family wish all of you comfort and peace. God Bless

Scott Rile and family (Pat, Kathi, Marc and Megan)

October 15, 2012

One of the most beautiful tributes I've ever wish ~ I find myself wishing Nancy was a part of my life.

St Patrick's Day Party in Florida 2012

October 15, 2012

October 15, 2012

Really special people like Nancy are few in number and cherished for all time. She was a treasure a one of a kind inspiration and some who anyone would be privileged to have known. She deeply touched the hearts of all who knew her leaving her imprint for all time and making us better people... just for having known her.
Much love to you Fred. Your Florida Friends... Tony and Patti

Toni Walker

October 15, 2012

Nancy's was a life well lived..positive, gracious and kind. A light has gone out in all of our lives. You will be missed. My condolences to you, Freddie...

October 15, 2012

Although few will probably remember me since I left MN in 1959, but I shall always remember Nancy. She included everyone in her life and it was my privilege to know her. May Fred and all members of her family realize how many people Nancy touched in such a lovinag way.
Judy Anderson Krautter Gallagher

Carol Boe

October 14, 2012

Nancy was like a breath of fresh air, a wonderful, one-of-a-kind person. She touched many lives, a true inspiration to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed. My heart felt sympathies to you, Freddie and family.

Linda Herman

October 14, 2012

Heartfelt sympathies to you, Freddie and the entire family. Nancy will be missed by all who knew her.

Brad and Pattie Hays

October 14, 2012

Oh Freddie, our hearts are sad for your deep loss. She lived her life like no one else. With love , lsughter and Heart. We will miss her, and love her forever. May Our Lord hold you and your family tightly, as you celebrate her Life, knowing shes with you every step of the way.

Joanne Ulvog

October 14, 2012

Nancy and Freddie, they were made for each other, and weren't they lucky to find eachother at Edina? Edina was my stomping grounds too, not far from the Walkups. We did scouts together, dance lessons, classes, and Nancy always lite up the room when she walked through the door. Freddie you were lucky to have loved and cared for her. We will miss her at our reunions and her love of life will live on in all who had the fortune to know her. My condolence to Freddie and his family. Joanne Johnson Ulvog

October 14, 2012

The last time I saw Nancy was at our 50th High School Reunion in 2009. I saw her from quite a distance but, there was no mistaking her, even after 30 years. She was still the vivacious and beautiful woman I remember from High School. I was shocked at how little she had changed. I heard recently of her illness and her decision not to fight anymore. It overwhelmed me and made be wonder if I could be that courageous. I am so glad she had her loving family surrounding her during that time. My thoughts and prayers go out to Freddie and his beautiful family. Rest in Peace, Nancy.
Love, Merrily (Harris) Snider, Edina Class of 1959

October 14, 2012

Scott and I feel blessed to have known Nancy. She will be missed by many. God bless Freddie and family.
~ Darla Chaffee

Bob Salmon

October 14, 2012

Sweetness, sunshine, sophistication. What a lovely person, what a loss. Rest in piece Nancy.

Aimee Smith

October 14, 2012

Many at Sun Country Airlines will miss Nancy's beautiful smile and her positive outlook on life. Truly a delight and such a pleasure to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

July 4th at, Deer Lake, 2012

Merry and Chris Krueger

October 14, 2012

Wasn't I lucky, knowing Nancy almost all of her 71 years. Seems like Nancy is part of all my bestest memories of Edina from swimming, Aqua Follies, Ski Jammers, tennis, bridge and then living just 2 blocks of each other at both their homes in our married life. We even birthed our babies Tory and Libby at the same hospitals, just one day apart. And then we had our trips, the infamous camping trip, skiing and our 10 day France/England adventure with Grandma Helen babysitting all 5 of our kids. No surprise that Nancy was also a grandmother extraordinaire! In recent years, our annual Deer Lake July 4th celebration, was always a laugh/love in of old Edina friends. Nancy enjoyed every minute and then would left a little bit of wonderful everywhere she went. I feel like we are truly the lucky ones to have known her. Chris and I, Molly and Libby share in your families sorrow. You all are in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Fondly, Merry and Chris Krueger

October 14, 2012

We will always remember Nancy here at ECC. She was bar none one of our all-time favorites and we will always remember her grace, style, and laugh in The Golf Shop. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you Fred, and your entire family.

Michelle, Marty, Johnny, Wonger, and the Golf Shop Staff at ECC

Andy Schmidt

October 14, 2012

A remarkable human being! That smile of hers will be missed by many!

Tracie Seed

October 14, 2012

What a beautiful tribute to Nancy's amazing life. We have your family in our hearts and prayers.
-Jonas, Tracie, Dakota and Audrey

Donna Cummings

October 14, 2012

"aren't we lucky" to have know you......Donna and Michael

Peggy Treadwell

October 14, 2012

Dear Freddie & Family'
Nancy was a friend to all she met. We all have such wonderful memories of time spent with Nancy and, of course, you. You both made everyone you met feel special. That's is a rare trait now-a-days. Our love & prayers are with you and your family. Peggy & Charlie Treadwell

Babette and John Bean

October 14, 2012

What a delightful woman, wife,mother, grandmother, friend Nancy was. A pied piper that truly amazed us with her love of life. She taught us alot...she will be very much missed by so many. Our love and condolences to her wonderful family. It was an honor to know Nancy. We are just so sorry that we will not be yet back to town to share the celebration and love of her very special and admired life. She will surely spice up Heaven! Love, Babette and John
Love, Babette and John Bean

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Sign Nancy Richards's Guest Book

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October 8, 2024

Michael and Donna Cummings posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2023

Donna Cummings posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2019

Alfred Ulvog posted to the memorial.