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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Catherine Rickard Obituary
Catherine was a loving and caring person. She began her career in Early Childhood Education, where she spent more than 30 years in that profession.
Catherine was a lifelong and active member faithfully serving Second Congregational Church in Pittsfield, MA. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess and Church Historian. She also had many roles in the community, as a child advocate, volunteering at many organizations and working at the election voting polls. Her hobbies included gardening, bowling and attending her grandchildren's sporting events.
Catherine is predeceased by her parents Bishop and Lettie Cannon, and brothers Walter Cannon, King Cannon and Elbert Cannon.
Catherine leaves behind her loving husband James Rickard of 59 years whom she married on June 27, 1964, daughters Connie Rickard and Cynthia Rickard (Scott). Catherine also leaves behind sisters Paula Heckstall (Frank), Ella Cannon and Bessie Long (Kennet); brother Marvin Cannon (Jennifer), grandchildren Myles Phillips (Christie); Mason Phillips and Akira Derr, four great-grandchildren Deondre, Marquel, Kyrie, Soleil Phillips. Catherine is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is extremely thankful to the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Care of the Berkshires.
The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 16 at the Second Congregational Church, 50 Onota St., Pittsfield. The Calling Hours will be 9am to 10am and the Funeral from 10am -11am. The Burial will follow at the Pittsfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Catherine's name to the Second Congregational Church.
Funeral Services provided by Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Rickard
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Jo Ann Guest
December 19, 2024
Catherine, I love that pic of you! Still missing our friendship even tho I moved away many years ago. It is a Friendship I shall cherish Forever! You, Katie and Eddie are very Special to me!
Love, Jo Ann Guest
The Willis Family
April 21, 2024
Our condolences to the Rickard family. Catherine was a wonderful church family member. Keeping your family in prayer
Gary Clarkson
April 20, 2024
Dear Jim and Family I am very sorry for your loss. Catherine was a wonderful woman who will be missed. Sending prayers and love to you
Dolores Wright
April 20, 2024
So sorry for your family´s loss
Delores Moore
April 20, 2024
To the Rickard Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Glenda Woods
April 19, 2024
You´re well missed my dear cousin. Rest in heavenly peace. Praying for all of my family a specially for the Richard and Cannon families. I love you all.
Cousin Glenda
Rosemary Crawford-Smith
April 17, 2024
James and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Catherine. She was always a warm, loving, friendly, caring person. May God's love and your memories get you through this.
Laura
April 17, 2024
Loved Catherine. Such a perfect role model. Heartfelt sympathy for her family. Bless your soul Catherine.
Kathy C. and John R.
April 16, 2024
Cynthia and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Please accept our condolences and prayers. Thinking of you all.
Frank and Trish Kellar
April 15, 2024
Dear James and family. So sorry to hear about Catherine passing. She was a sweet and kind person. Again sorry for your loss.
Joy Danylieko
April 14, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss. Catherine was a wonderful women, we passed each other in the Human Services field.
Linda Poplaski-Szablak
April 13, 2024
Mr. Rickard, Connie and family,
I remember Catherine not only in her roles in the community, but my family and I walking by her home watching her and Mr. Rickard working in their yard. We always exchanged hellos ..... Connie was my daughter Brittany´s teacher. I will always remember Catherine´s beautiful smile that seemed to shine everywhere she went. I am sorry for your loss. May the Lord hold you close at this sad time.
Bobby & Sandy Hamilton & Family
April 13, 2024
Our dearest James and family, we are sending you our deepest condolences on the passing of your lovely wife. What a lovely and gentle spirit she´d always welcome me/Bobby on being back home for the Summer. I truly missed seeing both of you at church. We just want to remind you that trouble don´t last always and weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. James, hold on to God´s unchanging hands. May you continue rejoicing in the goodness of God. He is faithful and true to your asking. Love, Bobby & Sandy Hamilton & family, Carson CA
Jo Ann Guest
April 12, 2024
Catherine, I will long remember and cherish the friendship we shared when I lived in Lenox, MA and attended 2nd Congregational Church. You were a `Classy Lady´, a genuine friend, and a Christian woman. May you Rest In Peace and take your place among God´s cherished Angels.
My Best to Eddie and the `Girls´
Sending Always, Jo Ann Guest
Christie Amlaw
April 12, 2024
You touched the hearts of many mama forever my family, I love you!
Paul Steele
April 12, 2024
To James ( Eddie) Richard and family,
So sorry to learn of Catherine's passing. She was always a kind person with a sweet smile for everyone. May she rest in peace for eternity. Condolences and fond memories to you and your family.
Paul and Karen Steele
Lori Deshane
April 12, 2024
Mr Rickard I am sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts. Lori Deshane
Margaret
April 11, 2024
Connie, Cynthia, and family Joel and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joel and Margaret Lenski
audrey guinen
April 11, 2024
sending my condolence to the family catherine was such a special person im so glad i was able to see her not to long ago and was able to talk to her she will be missed sleep with the angels catherine
Ernestine
April 11, 2024
To my family, You all are in my thoughts and prayers. It is important that we continue to remember that God makes no mistake. We have to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct our paths. With love, Ernestine, LaQuasia and Patricia
Lisa
April 11, 2024
My condolences to your family. I worked with her for many years. Very kind woman.
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