Norma Richards

Norma was born on October 16, 1926, at Pennsylvania Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She was the oldest of three girls born to immigrant parents Clarita and Randolph Romney (Richards).  Norma was baptized and raised in her family’s church in South Philadelphia, St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church.  After getting married, she moved to West Philadelphia where she raised her family in Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in West Philadelphia.

Circa 1944, she graduated from John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, PA and started working at the Quartermaster.  After working at the Quartermaster, she became a secretary for the School District of Philadelphia’s Youth Development Center and subsequently the Public Schools.  In November 1949, Norma married the love of her life James A. Richards, Jr.  Together Norma and James had four children, Linda (Jon), Boyd, Gregory (Debbie), and Mark.  She retired as a secretary after about 25 years of working. 

With her family, mom enjoyed spending time at the shore, the Nile Swim Club, and an occasional deep sea fishing trip with her sons.  When she wasn’t traveling with her family, she and her husband enjoyed spending time with her sisters and their families on Cecil Street in Philadelphia.  Mom also enjoyed trips to the casinos in Atlantic City with her sister, Carmen, and with the Senior Citizens Center. 

Norma loved having family around, especially during holiday dinners.  She and her sister could often be found in her dining room having a drink and playing poker or Pinochle.  To pass time, Norma also enjoyed watching Family Feud and the news.

The highlight of her retired life was spending her days at the Washington Township Senior Center playing bingo, cards and swapping stories over lunch with the other members.  For a few years, on weekends, she also looked forward to selling items at the flea market.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 98, Norma Richards passed away peacefully in her home in Sewell, NJ, on her late husband’s birthday.

Norma was predeceased by her husband, James, both sisters, Carmen Louise Pope (Ruben) and Ruth Marie Miles (James) and son in law, Jonathan Turner.  Norma is survived by her children, Linda, Boyd, Gregory (Debbie), and Mark, her grandchildren Greg, Jr., Jocelyn (Stanley), and Michael as well as five great-grandchildren and a myriad of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 9:00am until 10:30am at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, 176 Stagecoach Road, Sicklerville. Interment will follow at Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Broomall, PA.