Phyllis Raab Richardson

On November 1, 2025 Phyllis Marie Raab stepped into heaven. Born February 20, 1931 in Wilmington, DE to the late Thomas and Ethel (Miller) Dulin, she grew up in Marcus Hook, PA and graduated from Ridley Park High School. Phyllis was a member of the Linwood Methodist Church in her youth.
On June 24, 1949, Phyllis married Elmer E. Raab III and they moved to Bear, DE. Following Elmer's death in January 1999, Phyllis married John Johnson in July 2001. John passed away only months later in November 2001. Phyllis married Edgar Richardson in November 2006. They lived part time in DE and part time in FL. Edgar died in November 2017. Phyllis later lived at several retirement communities, lastly at Cadia Broadmeadow in Middletown.
Phyllis was employed for 33 years at the College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware. She was a member of Red Lion Methodist Church for many years, serving every Sunday as their pianist. She was a charter member of Red Lion Evangelical Church. She was a member of Evangelism Explosion – an organization that trains individuals to share the Gospel. She traveled twice to the Holy Lands.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters Sandra Harrell (John) of Telford, PA and Cynthia Blum (John) of Middletown, DE. She is survived by four grandchildren: Zachary Blum (Casey) of Middletown, DE, Meredith Richard (Matthew) of Douglassville, PA, Zebulun Blum of Wilmington, DE, and Kathrin Bianchini (Nicholas) of Telford, PA. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Sophie Blum, Abigail Blum, Luca Bianchini, John-Eli Richard, Ava Grace Blum, Sailor Blum, and Noah Richard. Also surviving are her sister Kay Shoemaker of Wilmington, DE and five nieces and nephews: David Shoemaker, Jeffrey Shoemaker, Danya Knox, William Raab, and Tera Harrigan.
She will be remembered by her many friends and family as always having a sweet smile on her face, being kind to everyone that she met, for not standing in judgment of anyone, and the hundreds and hundreds of meals she prepared for shut-ins, or cakes for funeral luncheons and church bake sales. Who didn't love her red devil food cake and her beef stew?
Most of all she will be remembered for her deep love for her daughters and for the special bond she shared with her two son-in-laws. She dearly loved her grandchildren and in earlier years, enjoyed taking them on special trips. She enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren. She especially loved Jesus and devoted her life to serving Him. Phyllis will be missed by each and every member of her family. What a legacy she left!
The family appreciates the care she received over the past year while at Broadmeadow. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations in her memory may be made to the Food Bank of Delaware.