Mrs.Richards taught me to read music at the ripe old age of 20. I had gone through middle and high school bands basically “winging it” and when I went to the University of Oklahoma, I quickly realized that was not going to work for me anymore. Long story short, she taught me the summer of my Sophomore year and I ended up placing in the top 10 of the clarinet section that year. Thank you Mrs. Richards for teaching me and changing my life that summer. 

Vin was a very dear friend and we will all miss her so much. Praying for her family in this difficult time. 

My deepest sympathy to all of Vin’s family during this time of earthly loss.  We have all been so very blessed by her presence in our lives.  I am one of her 80’s clarinet students;  she was a huge influence for good in my life… work hard, don’t give up, reach for the stars.  She also taught my children piano lessons in the summertime when we would stay in El Paso to visit my parents.  I loved that she and Jim ended up at Western Hills, the church where I grew up and was married.  At a difficult time for decision making for me, she helped me to enroll at UTEP and move forward  in my college years.  What a blessing to keep up with her in adulthood and get to see her when in El Paso.  She is missed .  My family and I  are so sorry for your loss, but let it comfort you to know what a wonderful and important influence she was during her lifetime for so many people.

I worked very briefly with Vin (when she came on staff at St.Marks Mother's Day Out) and was impressed and touched by her in that short time.  She had a way of quickly becoming a trusted friend.  I was impressed with and by her and her work ethic during our short time to rub shoulders.  I had a family (older two kiddos deeply involved in music classes) and once I learned how many private students she taught music to, I was even more impressed.  There is no way to estimate the numbers of lives she was able to touch.  I missed her when she left but would hear from time to time of some music student or related activity about her.  May your family be strengthened through this most difficult loss and be blessed with warmest of memories made with her.

I was very saddened to hear of Vin’s passing. She was the best clarinet teacher God could have brought in my life. She was not only a fantastic musician, but a great person, friend, mentor and mama for not just me, but many of the students she taught.. She provided the tools that opened doors to a life that I am now blessed with. My daughter Stacy was also the recipient of how she taught me and she turned out to be a three time All Stater. I use her teaching tools to this day. Her knowledge and skills will live on in the many lives she touched.

 My heart breaks that she is no longer with us. There is comfort knowing she is in God’s hands. I will not be able to make her 
celebration of life. If it is live streamed, I would like to know so that I may watch and celebrate with you.

Rest in Peace Vin. We love you and we will miss you.

All who knew her & worked beside her will miss her so very much.
She left a beautiful legacy!  Love & Prayers for her family, Betty Bassuk, EPMTA Colleague

There are so many memories of being her clarinet student. She shaped my musicality, developed my sense of follow-though, and taught me what is possible if you just persevere. 
I was so happy to have her work with my high school clarinet players at Marmion Academy in Aurora, IL. It is something they still remember! 
She traveled to Illinois with Bruce and Alma Beach who also provided a master classes and private lessons for the Marmion Rosary Band. We had such a great time; Mrs. Richards loved the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River. And we had the best time at high tea at the Drake Hotel (pictured 6/14/2018). 
Mrs. Richards was one of a kind and we are fortunate to have had her in our lives.

My deepest condolences for the family. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel! She was such a tough instructor, but she made her students shine! I’m saddened to hear about her passing, but find comfort in knowing that she is in peace eternally!! 

Geo, Githin, Ann, and Angela Johny

Mrs. Richards has been in our lives for the last 14 to 15 years. She has seen our children grow up from little children to young adults and was very much involved in their lives. She was a sincere and dedicated teacher who loved her students and helped them grow in many ways. She encouraged them and guided them, not just with music, but with life in general. She was truly a blessing in our lives. She will be dearly missed.

The Johny Family

I am truly grateful for the amazing mentorship and kindness that Mrs. Richards showed me over the last 26 years. This is a picture from my high school senior clarinet recital (with Patty Rayon too!). Her legacy lives on in my musicianship and the teaching I pass on daily to my band students. I am also grateful that she began teaching my daughter piano and was a part of her love and foundation for music. Mrs. Richards, You are forever in  our hearts! 

Our daughter, Anika started learning Piano since early 2019- Jan 2023. We as a family loved, appreciated, respected and admired Mrs. Richards for her dedication, discipline and organizational skills. You made a huge impact on Anika, our family and all your students. We can only say “We loved you so much and continue to do so” you will always be missed Mrs. Richards. 

We miss you, Mrs. Richards.  Thank you for your love and wisdom.

Mrs. Richards truly cared about all her students and their families.  She will be greatly missed.

I am saddened to hear about Mrs. Richard’s passing. My deep condolences to her family, friends and all her former students. I studied clarinet with Mrs. Richards from Summer, 1971 until approximately 1974. My time spent with her changed the trajectory of my life. She coached me to become a Texas All-State clarinetist, earn service awards to attend college, and she modeled excellent teaching skills that would enable me to become an accomplished educator. Mrs. Richards was kind, compassionate and steadfast. When my family was in financial crisis she made arrangements so that I could continue my lessons. I was blessed to meet her nieces when I babysat them in El Paso. I spent time with her making cookies. She became my friend. My last conversation with her a few years back was informing her of my completion of my doctoral studies. I attribute my success to Vin Richards and her commitment to me and all her students. You will be missed but never forgotten. God Bless. 

Mrs. Richards taught my son  piano from 2016-2019. 
Not only was she a very sincere teacher , but a truly nice human being ; full of love and caring . We continued our classes on zoom even after we moved away and we looked forward to seeing and talking to her every week .  I will miss  her so much . 
Thank you for your patience and guidance , Mrs.Richards. 

Reshma and Rohan Khatri .

Bryan, Matthew and All,
I’m sorry for your loss. We share many happy memories of Vin. A week in Georgetown for a Suzuki institute comes to mind. Dinner at the Stagecoach Inn of Salado. Many others. 
Love and prayer, Anne

I took clarinet lessons from Mrs. Richard's from about 1989-1992. She was incredibly talented and a wonderful teacher. She also stood by me at a time when nobody else did, and for that she will always have a special place in my heart. I haven't seen her in many years, but I will never forget her. My condolences to her family.

My book-club sister and my sister in the Lord.  I loved Vin.  Special memories will always be with me.   Two other friends left this world the same day. The three of them are getting to know each other in heaven.  And rejoicing that they are FREE!!!

Connie

Mrs. Richards was my piano teacher from 1991 to 1998. She was a patient, helpful, and instructive mentor who helped inspire a lifelong love of music and music performance. Her studio was a place of great joy, camaraderie, and laughter to me, and many of the friendships I formed there endured long after I left. We also attended the same church, and we often conversed and shared snippets of our lives together. I will forever treasure my time studying with her, my memories of her compassion and instruction, and the joy she inspired in everyone she taught. My deepest condolences to her family and to everyone who shared our lives with Vin. Her impact on the world was substantial and meaningful, and it will echo long into the future. 

OBITUARY

Lavinia Smith Richards

June 29, 1944 – February 11, 2023

Martin Funeral Home

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