Ann Olson Richards

Shortly before daybreak on Sunday, November 27th, Ann Olson Richards, recently 95, cast off her lines and set sail to forever. She left peacefully from her own bed, from her home of 60 years in Clinton, and from her whole life spent on Duck Island Roads, where a magnificent red dawn glowed in silent tribute to her. Ann was born on September 29, 1927 to Robert and Alice Olson of Grove Beach, Westbrook, and she lived her entire life within a mile or two. She graduated from the Morgan School in 1945, and earned an Associate Degree at Larson Junior College (now Quinnipiac) in New Haven in 1947. And then in 1948 she got married to Warren Richards, Jr., who remained her unwavering champion until his passing some 70 years later. Ann and Warren built a wonderful life in our small town: many terrific lifelong friends, a successful small business, and a thriving family with three sons. She was a devoted and enthusiastic mother, joining her boys in swimming, sailing, skiing, tennis, golf and, of course, touch football, where her down-field blocking could be devastating. Her ping-pong instincts were merciless, and those who underestimated her bridge game often came to grief. Ann and Warren were able to travel extensively around the world, spurred by their curiosity and appreciation for foreign cultures and lands. And they loved the British Virgin Islands, for years spending part of the winter cruising the waters aboard their 42’ Shangri-La, often inviting family members, but usually just the two of them. Ann and Warren were always a good combination, by sea or by land. Ann loved to throw big parties, and her guests loved coming to them, especially at Christmas and Fourth of July. She was effortlessly gracious, an utterly charming hostess, making each guest feel they were the most fun and interesting person on earth. Even at her 95th birthday party, two months ago, she delighted every soul in the country club with her wit and effervescence. She leaves behind her sons Mark, David and Peter, and daughters-in-law Debbie, Holly and Michèle, along with seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and her niece and nephews. Most reluctantly, she leaves her best friend, her irrepressible sister Joan Holbrook. Ann and Warren were both able to live independent, full and cheerful lives right to the end. This was only possible because of a remarkable woman named Tashi Kyi. For years, Tashi cared for Ann and Warren as lovingly as if they were her own parents. In return, Ann and Warren loved Tashi, who was a great joy to them in these last years of their long lives.

Services and burial will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Ann’s name to The Nature Conservancy (www.Nature.org) or to The Church of the Holy Advent in Clinton (www.HolyAdventClinton.org). Services are entrusted to Carl Swan and Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.