Linda Bee Richards, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully departed this world on December 25th, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth that will forever be etched in our hearts.
For 58 years, she sailed hand-in-hand with her loving husband Neil, navigating life’s currents with grace and humor. A devoted mother to her daughter Vandy (Jurgen) and her son Devin (Linda). As a grandmother, she reveled in the love and laughter shared with her grandchildren Alec, Brittany, and Rebecca.
Linda grew up on the shores of Lake Erie in Vermilion, Ohio, where her home was surrounded on all four sides by water, leading to her passion of being an excellent sailboat skipper. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a teaching certificate in 1963, where she met the love of her life Neil. Linda taught elementary school starting in Ohio, then Pennsylvania, and continued this calling after she and Neil moved to their forever home in Pittsford, NY. Taking a break from teaching, she focused on raising their two children, Vandy and Devin, all the while staying active in the community by leading the local Girl Scout Troop, spearheading the local Girl Scout Cookie drive, participating in ΣΣΣ sorority events, and singing and playing bells in local choirs. Linda returned to the Pittsford school system as a swim instructor and teacher’s aid until retirement in 2005. In their golden years, Linda and Neil found a second home in Tucson, AZ, where they led an active social life. Until the end, Linda was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an avid reader, a passionate football fan, loved to sing and play games of all kinds, and valued her many friendships from all aspects of life. She cherished those bonds of camaraderie that enriched her journey and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be planned in the spring at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford and the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to your local animal shelter. Online condolences may be made at www.rochestercremation.com/rochester-obituaries .