Andover, MA – Lorette L. Richards, 77, died peacefully Thursday, March 3, 2011 after a brief unexpected illness, her loving family by her side. Born in 1933 in Methuen, MA, Lorette was the daughter of the late Lucia (Dube) and Arsene Morency. A graduate of Searle High School, Lorette continued her education at Lowell Tech. She worked for many years in the Lowell school system and later at the Lowell Council of Governments, a state agency. Upon retiring, Lorette traveled the globe, visiting places she had dreamed of exploring since a young girl. Riding a camel by the pyramids in Egypt and wading in the blue green waters of the Fiji Islands were among her most memorable travel experiences. She was a remarkable artist with a needle and thread. But it was when surrounded by her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren that she was her happiest.
Lorette is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, daughter Rebecca Richards and her husband Stephen Atkinson of Belmont and their children, Isabelle, Stuart, Elise and Lauren, daughter Kimberley Brien and her husband Robert Brien of Methuen, and their children, Benjamin and his wife, Kelly, of Norton, Christopher, and his wife Trisha of Attleboro, and daughter Sarah of Dracut, and son Scott Richards and his daughter Ashley of Lowell. She was an adored great grandmother to Sebastian and Alivia Cousins, Michael Forsyth, Jacob and Caitlyn Brien, Christian Richards and Kylie Brien. Surviving siblings include brothers Richard and Roger Morency, and sisters Helene DeCourcey, Lucille Marston, Gloria St. Jean, and Estelle Taylor and many nieces and nephews. She will always be remembered for her optimism, ever-present smile, wide circle of friends and love for her family.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, March 9, from 4-8 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen. A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at The Chapel of West Parish Cemetery in Andover, with burial to follow in West Parish Cemetery. Lorette’s family would like to thank the staff of Life Care Center of Stoneham for their compassion and care at this difficult time. A lifelong lover of animals, the family has asked that those who wish may make a contribution in Lorette’s name to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. For directions and to leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com.