Annie Richards

East Dummerston - It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of beloved daughter, sister, relative and friend Ann Wilder Richards on October 11th, 2024. Annie was born May 3rd, 1979 to Mark and Elizabeth Richards of Dummerston, VT. She received her earliest care and education locally at Winston Prouty and Dummerston elementary school and went on to graduate from Brattleboro Union High School in 1997 and Williams College in 2001 with a Bachelors degree in psychology. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from University of Massachusetts in 2003 and Masters of Science in Nursing from Yale University with a concentration in child and adolescent psychiatry in 2006. She is nationally certified in trauma-based cognitive behavioral therapy. As an extremely engaged resident of Windham County, Annie was a member of the Diversion Board of Youth Services, a member of the multi-disciplinary Team for Windham County Safe Place, a Board Member of Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, a Corporator of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as well as a Saint Michaels School Halloween Parade candy-stop for the entire school. For many years Annie ran AWR Associates, LLC on Walnut Street in Brattleboro where she created an oasis for children to engage, connect and heal through the power of play along with her unique caregiver-child bonding proclivities. Annie's mission was for each child to have the support, tools and trust to explore their fullest potential. She strove to work with children and their families to develop the support and social-emotional needs of youth and deepen the quality of family relationships. The impact Annie had on youth in Windham County and beyond is immeasurable. She was truly born to do this work. Those that knew her will recount her sharp wit and remarkable sense of humor. An eternal optimist, she found joy in the simplest forms and routines while reveling in the accomplishments of others. She overcame much in her life through sheer determination but also with the grace and ease reserved for the truly selfless. While she earned and enjoyed a loyal following of supporters wherever she went, she was always most comfortable serving the needs of others. Annie is survived by her parents Mark and Elizabeth Richards of Dummerston, her brother Peter and his wife Liz of Brattleboro, her brother Drew and his wife Tammy of Williamsville and 6 loving nieces and nephews who were the light of her life and her best friends. She is remembered fondly by countless cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Michael School, 48 Walnut St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or any organization that focuses on the wellbeing, personal growth and happiness of children and their families. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Fr. Henry Furman officiating. It is suggested that friends start arriving at 10:15 a.m. to be greeted by the immediate family outside in front of the church prior to the start of the Mass. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annie Richards, please visit our floral store.