Winifred (Wyn) Richardson

Marlboro, NH – Winifred (Wyn) Richardson passed away peacefully at her home in Marlboro, Massachusetts on September 7, 2021, shortly before her 103rd birthday.

Born November 27, 1918 in Concord to Clarence and Irene (Booth) Richardson, she spent her early years at Concord and Loudon and graduated from Concord High School in 1936. Wyn graduated from the Posse Nissen Institute of Physical Education and Physical Therapy. in Boston in 1941 and spent her early career as a teacher and recreation therapist for children with disabilities.

Wyn joined the US Navy in 1943 and served as an aviation control tower operator on Maui during World War II.

After her release, Wyn tried her hand at various activities, including restaurant management. She went on to earn a BA in Theater and Radio from Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. Rather than pursuing either, Wyn returned to her passions for physical education and therapy and worked at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts for several years, until she be named. director of health and physical education at the YWCAs of Boston and Worcester, MA. She “retired” in 1981, but was not ready to leave the “working world”. She worked at Prime Computer in Massachusetts as a mail girl for several years until she “retired” again and started her own cleaning service, “Just Me”. She retired fully in 2004 at the age of 86.

Wyn loved to play softball; traveling; camping and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee; and “shop around” at home. She was a member of the American Legion Post 88 from Loudon.

Wyn’s family and friends eagerly awaited her annual Christmas letters. She recounted a fall at the age of 97 and the “balance management” course suggested by her doctor, writing “If I had taken it sooner I might not have smashed my face. – HA! ” In another, written when she was 92, Wyn attributed her longevity to the mowing, raking and blowing of snow that she was still doing, as well as her close relationships. “My wallet is not very full these days, but I am thriving on the love and friendship of my many friends and relatives,” she wrote.

Last year, Wyn enjoyed her time at the Better Day adult social day program in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and the special care she received from the staff at Kindred Home and Hospice. She is survived by her companion and longtime caregiver, Michele Riani, whose loving care kept Wyn in their home until her death.

Wyn’s family cannot express how grateful they are for the love, joy, friendship and care that Michele has provided to Wyn. Other survivors include Wyn’s nephews, James Timmins and his wife Maureen of Loudon; Carey Timmins and his wife Evelyn, of Loudon; Ron Spooner and his wife Diane from Penn Valley, California; and niece, Sharon Spaulding and husband Gene of Salisbury. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews as well as her beloved cats. She was predeceased by her sister, Enid Timmins Wayne. and niece Sandra Ladd and her husband Willis.

Wyn’s ashes will be buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Loudon. At his request, there will be no services. Memorial donations can be made to an SPCA of your choice.

Wyn loved life, family, friends, animals and his country. His mentorship and advice will be sorely missed by his many friends. We think she would like to be remembered sitting around a campfire, with her favorite drink in hand, laughing and enjoying the ride called life.