Marie Richards

Marie married Joseph Richards on August 29, 1936 in Lake Leelanau. She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII and later owned Wolverine Trucking Co. in Traverse City with her husband. She retired from Farm Bureau Credit Corp. in 1976. She was the president of the Women’s Book Club in Traverse City for a number of years, and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Elks Club. Marie’s life was full of love and laughter. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends at her Lake Leelanau cottage. Many special memories were created there over the years; rides on the pontoon, refreshing swims in the lake, and late night chats. Marie was an avid traveler and enjoyed many vacations exploring European countries. She also loved playing cards; she was a voracious reader and an expert at crossword puzzles. She eagerly awaited the New York Times puzzle each week. She loved music, dancing and spent many evenings around the piano singing with her family and friends. Marie will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marie is survived by her daughter Jean Gillespie of Belvedere, CA, grandchildren Nick, John, Pat, and Tom Richards, and Laura Gillespie, great grandchildren Madeleine Gillespie, Kyle, Lauren, Colin, Paige, Allison, Chelsea, Taylor and Blake Richards, brother James Carefelle, sister Leila Raredon, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph, son Jim Richards, infant grandson, sister Dorothy Mortensen, son-in-law Donald Gillespie, and close family friend Father Walter Marek.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 4, at Immaculate Conception Church with visitation one hour prior. Please share your fond memories and condolences at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.