Dorothy Richter

Dorothy (Legate) Richter, of Chicopee, MA, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at her daughter's home in Union Township, NJ. Born December 7, 1928, and raised in Holyoke, MA, Dorothy moved in 1958 to the home she and her husband built in Chicopee, MA. She graduated from Holyoke High School. Dorothy was a homemaker and retired as a clerk at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA. She was the epitome of a horseshow Mom and spent countless hours supporting her daughter's love of riding and horses. In her later years, Dorothy became an avid reader of mystery novels and a true mystery buff. Dorothy was loved by all and she shared her gentle heart and humor with everyone she met. She loved spending time with her family and friends especially while enjoying good food and lighthearted conversation. Daughter of the late Henry and Beulah (Benoit) Legate, Dorothy is survived by her son Todd Richter of Chicopee, MA, her daughter Lisa Richter of Union Township, NJ, her grandchildren Conor, Taran, Tristan, and Carolynne, her niece Karen Whalen and her husband Randy Volkert and their son Joey, and her nephew Mark Whalen and his wife Terry. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John Richter in 2019, her sister Marjorie Whalen and her husband Tommy. A funeral home service will be Monday October 27 at 11am at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley followed by burial in Notre Dame Cemetery. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington, NJ 08822.