Mary Gertrude (Maher) Richards, age 82, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on November 1, 2025, surrounded by her family and close friends in Edgewater, Florida.

Born on May 1, 1943, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, to William and Mary Maher, Mary grew up in a lively household with her five beloved siblings on West 10th Avenue in Conshohocken. She often fondly recalled the warmth and closeness of family dinners when all nine of them gathered around the table, including her cherished grandfather. Mary recalled her childhood in Conshohocken fondly, often recounting memories of afternoons at the park with her siblings and playing the trombone in the St. Matthew Parish All-Girl Band with her sisters. She graduated from St. Matthew High School in 1961, where she was also a proud member of the girls' basketball team.

Mary was driven to excel in all that she pursued, both personally and professionally. After graduating from high school, she began her career with Bell Telephone as a service representative at the age of 18. Through dedication, intelligence, and perseverance, she advanced steadily into leadership roles, achieving continued success throughout her 30-year career.

In an era when few women held such positions, Mary broke barriers and helped pave the way for others. She was deeply committed to supporting and mentoring young women, always taking time to coach and advocate for their success. Upon her retirement as a director, she had reached a distinguished level of accomplishment—particularly notable for a woman without a college degree.

As a working mother, Mary was an extraordinary role model. She showed her daughters, and many others, that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

In 1992, at the age of 48, Mary retired and began a new chapter with her husband, Dave, in the warmth of Florida. They made their home in New Smyrna Beach, where they built a close-knit community of friends and neighbors. Mary enjoyed playing golf at Sugar Mill Country Club, attending yoga classes, and spending time by the ocean—especially with their beloved golden retriever, Patrick. A woman of deep faith and compassion, she was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she volunteered her time tutoring, assisting with Sunday school, and preparing meals for those in need.

While living in Florida, Mary stayed involved and was passionate about her family, no matter where they lived. She loved to visit her grandkids in Texas and Alaska as well as her family in San Francisco and Brigantine. Mary, lovingly referred to as Nanny or Aunt Mary, was immensely proud of her family and showed up to support them in life's big and small moments.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Dave Richards; her parents, Bill and Mary Maher; her brother, Will Maher; and her son, Larry Richards.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Kathi Lynch Stacy and Amy Richards Reich; her sons-in-law, David Stacy and Eric Reich; her grandchildren, Madison Stacy, William (Sarah) Stacy, Cody Reich and Evan Reich; and her great-granddaughters, Helen Patsy and Robin Frances Stacy. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy (John) McCarthy, Ann (Jim) Callahan, Edward (Janet) Maher, and Margaret (Ralph) Marchese along with many dear nieces and nephews who will always be grateful for her generosity and support and forever cherish her memory.

In her final days, Mary found peace and comfort in the promise of her heavenly home, trusting fully in God's love and grace. Her unwavering belief and her fighting spirit were an inspiration to many. A celebration of Mary's life will be held on January 17th, 2026, in Conshohocken, PA. where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and give thanks for a life so well lived.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23