Ann Fleming Richards

Ann F. Richards, 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. She was married to the late Ray L. Richards for nearly 65 years. She is survived by her children, Nancy Richards Scibek (Tom), Sue Richards (Larry Tyler), Priscilla Richards (Michael Fanning) and Craig Richards (Scott Fredrickson), 7 grandchildren, 8+ great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Verona, PA on January 14, 1927, to Walter James and Mary Cochrane (Hill) Fleming, she was the third of four children. Her siblings were the late Walter J. (Adele) Fleming, the late Lois V. (Clayton) Kuhn, and the late George E. (Noni) Fleming. Ann lived most of her life in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area, Wheaton, IL, Irondequoit, NY, Colonial Beach, VA, Rockville, MD, and Silver Spring, MD. She graduated from Plum Township High School and attended Bethany College in West Virginia.
Ann was active in her community, whether it was as President of the Garden Club (Wheaton, IL), Vice President of the League of Women voters (Rochester, NY), editor of newsletters (Church Women United, Miriam Center) or tackling social issues (Rochester Family Resource Center, Task Force on Courts). Voting was important to her; she was always knowledgeable about the different candidates, party platforms, and campaign promises. At 90, Ann marched in the 2017 Women's March.
With her curiosity, her willingness to be up for any activity and her great sense of humor, Ann always enjoyed connecting with people. She initiated many cultural exchanges, hosting foreign students and traveling to numerous places across the United States and beyond. She was a great supporter of the arts, loved classical music, musicals and plays, and also was a painter. She loved to play games, especially the card game "31" in her later years. She made friends wherever she went and lived life to the fullest.
A Memorial Service will be held at Bedford Court in Silver Spring, MD on Friday June 21, 2024, and a Celebration of Life will be held in early summer 2025. Please reach out to one of her children to let them know if you are interested in attending. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor her memory can be made to the "League of Women Voters of Rochester Metro Area" at:
https://members.lwv-rma.org/members/wish/donate.php?org_id=LWVR or to a charity of your choice.
"I am a part of everyone I have ever met"- Ann F. Richards