March 21, 1946 – January 15, 2026
Lynne H. Richards of Reading, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026 at the age of 79.
Born on March 21, 1946, in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Clarence ‘Hub’ and Mary ‘Molly’ Hartman, Lynne will be remembered for her kindness, optimism, generosity, and for always being a bright light to those around her. A longtime resident of Reading, Lynne had many friends she considered family. She loved her home, where her door was always open to all, her kitchen table always full, and the air always filled with love and laughter.
Lynne was predeceased by her son, Andrew ‘Andy’ Richards, whom she was so excited to see again. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gordon; her son Mark and his wife Melissa (Richards); her daughter Lindsay and her husband, Brian (Grenert); and her six grandchildren: Alexandra, Wes, Winnie, Bryce, Owen, and Emerson, all of whom she referred to as “her stars.” She is also survived by her brother, Don and wife Ursula, her sister-in-law, Brenda and her nieces Kim, Kathy and Liz.
The life Lynne lived couldn’t have been fuller. She often said, “You can always find a reason to smile.” She loved with all her being and almost always saw the glass as half full. She taught all “her stars” to shine bright, be kind, and be themselves, just as she lived her life.
Visiting hours will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (cor. of Woburn St.) in Reading, MA on Saturday, January 24, from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (dana-farber.org/gift) and/or Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090 (smiletrain.org)
