Carrie L. Richard

Carrie Richard was born in Houston, Tx on July 18, 1936. She was the last of 10 children of Vito and Carrie Lucia, immigrants from Sicily, Italy. She attended Holy Name Catholic Church Elementary school in Houston's Third Ward. She attended high school at Incarnate Word Academy in Downtown Houston until graduating in 1954. She lived with her parents while working as a bookkeeper. At a dance at her church, she met a young James Richard. He was immediately smitten and began courting her. (James was also drawn to good cooking coming from that Italian kitchen.) Soon after the death of Carrie's mother, James proposed. They were married in October, 1965. A little over a year later, in December 1966, son Jimmy was born followed by his brother Michael in 1970. Carrie (and James) were completely devoted to their children. When Michael was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Carrie never wanted to leave his side. She ensured Michael got the care he needed for the rest of his life. The busy parents did find time for vacations across Texas and Louisiana; usually visiting relatives and seeing the sights. One summer, there was even an eventful trip to Washington DC in a well-used Chevrolet Caprice Classic with faulty air conditioning. Thanks to their parent's support, the sons went on to attend St. Ambrose Elementary, St. Thomas High School, and graduate from the University of Houston.

The family's loss of Michael in 1993 was a terrible blow to Carrie. Carrie was a devout Catholic who would not miss Mass on Sunday. Her faith carried her through these hard times.

Carrie soon continued her love of traveling with several memorable trips. Carrie and James visited relatives across the country, taking them across the country from California to Georgia They also visited Branson Mo. and Dollywood on other adventures. She would joke about how lost the pair would get but would eventually get to their destination.

Carrie was devoted to her family. She loved her daughter-in-law, Susan and the grandchildren, Brian and Jennifer. Since her birthday was a few days from her granddaughters, she happily shared a family party each year. Carrie always insisted the grandchildren have a certain amount of presents from her for Christmas. She put much thought into their Christmas gifts, trying to give them perfect gifts. When James became ill, she spent her time caring for him until he passed in 2019.

Carrie's last years were spent as an independent woman. She especially enjoyed catching up with her friends at various breakfast and lunch gatherings. Carrie insisted on taking care of herself as much as she could, but she always felt safest in her house on Libbey Lane, cleaning house, preparing her meals, and watching her favorite shows on TV.

Carrie Richard passed away at the age of 86 on February 5, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband James, and her son Michael.

Carrie is survived by her son, James and his wife Susan, grandson Brian, and granddaughter Jennifer.

A visitation and rosary for Carrie will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018. Funeral services to be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd, Houston, Texas 77092 on Thursday 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM followed by burial at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pathfoleyfuneraldirectors.com for the Richard family.