Cathy Lynn Richard of Westlake, LA passed away on Monday September 25, 2023, at the age of 67. Cathy, better known as “Nonna,” was born April 1, 1956 to Marie Parker in Lake Charles, LA. She spent the majority of her life in Westlake, LA where she met the love of her life, J.W. Richard. She fell in love with his mother first (Clara) who urged Cathy to let J.W. take her out on a date. That date turned into the last 46 years of marriage, resulting in five children (all of whom believe THEY are her favorite), six grandchildren, and countless others who called her “Mom” or “Nonna.”
After having her children, J.W. encouraged Cathy to attend nursing school for two reasons: to get some sanity outside of the home away from those children, and to help support their ever growing appetites. So in 1994 with five young children, Cathy attended San Jacinto Community College, graduating with honors and an Associate Degree in Nursing. She started working as a Registered Nurse in units including Labor and Delivery and Cardiac/Telemetry, where she worked her way up to Nursing Manager. She was so thankful to have a reprieve from those kids at home, but they never knew. When she was home she was fully present and simply “mom.”
In addition to being a compassionate nurse, Cathy was well-known for her skills in the kitchen. By cooking daily for her army of children, she perfected her ability to produce incredibly delicious traditional Louisiana dishes, and was sought out by many to cook for banquets, weddings and church events. She also enjoyed fishing, camping in her RV, and traveling, particularly to the beach.
Cathy is preceded in death by her mother, Marie Parker, her step-father, Willard Parker, her beloved in-laws, Eddie and Clara Richard, her brother, Billy Newman, sister-in-law Devenia Newman, her sister, Jolene Fruge, her step-brother Charles “Hobo” Parker, and her aunt and uncle DeeDee and Arvis Foshee.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, J.W. Richard; daughters, Misty Sherman, Brandi McCall and husband Chris, and Traci Gonzales and husband Matt; sons, Toby Richard and wife Nikki, and Cory Richard and wife Danielle; grandchildren Riley, Ashlynn, Jackson, Avery, Arys, and Benjamin; sisters Brenda Cox and husband Doyle, and Ruby Strickland and husband R.W.; and those who lovingly called her Nonna or Mom, Rhonda, Chris, Christopher Jr., Triston, Ally, Noah, Levi, Charles Jr., Wendy, Beau, Julienne, Roslynn, Shawna, Juan, Casen, Eloisa, Aviana, and Brandon, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with her funeral to follow on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM, also at Hixson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff. Immediately following the funeral there will be a short graveside gathering at Magnolia Cemetery in Ragley.
A note from the family:
To our precious wife, mom, and Nonna, you have left a hole in our heart that will never be replaced. We love you to the end of the Earth and hope one day to be in your presence again.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonmossbluff.com for the Richard family.
