Birth: January 24, 1943 Death: September 14, 2024 Jean Ann Richards OBITUARY Jean Ann Richards, a beacon of warmth and generosity, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the age of 81. A lifelong resident of Bethlehem, she was born to the late Owen and Anna (Keblish) Talbot on January 24, 1943, in the same town where she would later leave her indelible mark. Jean’s early life was rooted in Bethlehem, where she attended Liberty High School.
In 1963, Jean married the love of her life, Vincent E. Richards, Sr., and together they built a family grounded in love, respect, and the joy of shared experiences.
The Richards family grew to include four children: Leslie Cochran, Erica Link, Vincent Richards Jr., and Jamie Richards, who all remained in Bethlehem, close to their beloved mother. Jean’s role as a matriarch extended to her cherished grandchildren, Jamie, Will, Kaylee and her husband Dennis, Samantha, and Steven, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Danica, Gabrielle, Dennis Jr.
, and Sterling. Her family was the center of her world, and she instilled in them a legacy of kindness, resilience, and the importance of family bonds. Jean is also survived by her sister Kathryn Aquina.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Anna Marie and Michael Talbot. Her loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Jean’s professional life was equally distinguished, with a career spanning several roles at Kraft Foods.
Her dedication and work ethic were evident to all who worked alongside her, and her retirement from Kraft Foods marked the end of an era of exceptional service and commitment. Beyond her family and career, Jean had a passion for the finer things in life. Her love for golf was matched only by her green thumb, as gardening brought her immense joy and a sense of connection to the earth.
The beauty of her garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing nature, bringing color and life to her home and neighborhood. Jean’s benevolence extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was an ardent supporter of St. Jude’s.
Her charitable spirit and belief in the power of giving back to the community were hallmarks of her character, demonstrating her deep compassion for those in need. SERVICES: Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Jean’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem.
A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean’s name may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice via mail to 2024 Lehigh Street Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18103-4798 and/or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital via mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.
stjude.org/. Honor with Flowers In memory of Jean Plant a Living Memorial In memory of Jean.
