Elaine Richardson

Elaine Richardson, 95, of Resort Township, died June 8, 2022 at Mallard Cove Assisted Living.

The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14 proceeded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Elaine Richardson was born on February 11, 1927, daughter of Josephine (Magee) Sparks and Thomas Sparks.  She grew up in Boyne Falls and graduated from Boyne Falls High School in 1944.

On June 14, 1947, she married Ben Richardson of Petoskey. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before his death in 2007. 

Spending time with family and friends was a very important aspect of her life.  She truly enjoyed the many family gatherings and loved being outside in the sunshine for camping, boating,
golf, and shuffleboard.  Elaine had many interests and was a wonderful seamstress, cook and was barely seen relaxing without a knitting project.

Elaine retired from the US Department of Agriculture (ASCS) in 1988.  After Elaine and Ben retired, they were able to enjoy their summers on Walloon Lake and winters in Zephyrhills, FL.  They loved to travel, play golf and watch Detroit Tiger baseball games.  Elaine was a longtime devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Church.  In her last several years, she resided at Mallard Cove Assisted Living where she met many new friends and was loved by both staff and residents. She frequently played various card games and especially delighted in bingo games.

Elaine is survived by her five children, Jerry (Ann Kirby) Richardson of Portland, OR., Barb (Chuck) Alexander of Portage, MI., Mary Waugh of DeWitt, MI., Nancy (Rob) McLellan of Petoskey, MI., Laurie Richardson of Portland, OR., 10 grandchildren, Jeff Alexander, Kim (Brad) Ritter, Andy, Erin (fiancé Jeff Moon) and Emily Waugh, Mitch (Ellyce), Sam (Kara) and Phil McLellan, and Ben and Grace Richardson; 6 great grandchildren, Daniel VanZee, Graham and Eliza Ritter, Liam and Delaney McLellan and Aiden Alexander; 4 sister-in-laws, Enid Moss, Bernadette Sparks, Geneva Richardson, Dehra Jo Variot, 1 brother-in-law, Chuck (Johnnie Faye) Richardson and by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents:; her husband, Ben Richardson; infant son, Bennett Richardson;  a son-in-law, John Waugh; and 8 siblings: Eva, Lloyd, Denny, Olive, Bill, Venetta, Opal and Arlene.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mallard Cove and McLaren Hospice of Petoskey for their loving care and support.
 

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in her memory can be made to Brother Dan’s Food Pantry at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 415 State St. Petoskey, MI.

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