Marion Theresa Richards

Marion Theresa Richards of Huntersville, NC, passed from this life into the arms of our Saviour on October 31st at the age of 62. She had a very long battle with early onset Alzheimers. She was born on January 4th, 1952 in Portland, Maine to the late Robbie Lee Richards and Theodore Richards.

She is survived by her daughters, Tamara Neilson and Caitalyn Kowal, her brothers Ben Richards, Ted Richards, and Matt Richards, her sister Shirley Richards, her grandsons Kyle Fenton and Kaleb Fenton, her very many beloved nieces & nephews and great nephews. She was preceded in death by Robbie Lee Richards, Theodore Richards and her brother Johnny Richards.

Marion was a devoted mother who loved all of her family and departed from her career as a quality assurance specialist/manager in the environmental field at Duke Energy. She began her career as a lab technician after obtaining a degree in Chemical Engineering at FTI. She worked to support two daughters while advancing her education on her own as well as maintaining a status of Dean's list. She was also one of the top in her class in Physics. She was a cancer survivor, she is honored and remembered for her strength and perseverance no matter the challenge in life. She was known for her beautiful spirit, giving nature and a wonderful sense of humor. She was recognized for her work with junior achievement as an active participant in donating her time to the lunch buddy program as well as a visiting speaker to many middle schools. She spoke to young females on the empowerment of women by encouraging the fields of science & engineering; working to motivate and inform young females of their options in life. She was featured in the news for her many contributions. Marion was an inspirational person admired by many, loved by many and will be missed by all those she's touched.

Of her many hobbies, her vast book collection is noted. She was an avid reader and felt education should never take pause. As a lover of mystery and suspense novels, some of her favorite fictional authors were John Grisham, Stephen King & Dean Koontz.

Her family will gather to celebrate her life on November 15, 2014 at 11:00 am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home located at 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer's Association under her name.