Theresa Katherine Richardson, age 90, of Melrose, Florida, quietly passed surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 28, 2009. Theresa was born in Hauppauge, Long island, New York on March 21, 1919. Growing up in a large family she was active in sports all through high school playing on both her basketball and softball teams. After graduation she worked at the state hospital and dreamed of pursuing a nursing career; however, she met her future husband, Charles, and married him in September of 1938. Theresa raised 10 children and numerous grandchildren and that became her vocation for years. She was very active in her church and served as President of the Guild while living in Ft Lauderdale and Melrose. She became a career woman in her 60s by purchasing, running and teaching art at her own craft shop in Gainesville, Florida. She mentored a number of college students and truly enjoyed the work. She and her husband were both bowlers and she was an ace bowler often beating her husband. Theresa had a roomful of trophies with a number of 300 games and continued to bowl well up into her 80s. Many of her lifelong friends were members of her bowling leagues. Her garden was always in bloom and she loved to care for her flowers and plants but her real passion was all of her family. She loved to gather them together for family celebrations throughout the year. Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Charles Vincent, just shortly after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by 10 children, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grand children, great great grand children along with a beloved extended family. She was greatly loved and will be truly missed by her family and friends. Funeral services for Theresa will be held on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 11:00AM in the St. William Catholic Church with Father Mike Williams officiating. Viewing will be prior to the service in the church. Burial will follow at the Keystone Heights Cemetery.