Barbara F. Richards

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Barbara F. Richards, 93, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Mountain Ridge Center in Franklin, NH, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in Concord on May 20, 1932, to Edward and Catherine French and was a 1950 graduate of Concord High School.

On June 6, 1953, she married Malcolm A. Richards. They briefly lived in North Carolina while “Mal” completed his commitment to the US Air Force. In December that year, they moved back to Concord, where they raised a family and lived together for 59 years until Mal's passing in 2012. Barbara continued to live independently for another 13 years.

Barbara was involved with TOPS Club, Inc. for many years. She was a member of the local Chapter #4, was on the committee that organized the State Recognition Days, and attended many TOPS national conventions. Barbara enjoyed walking at the Steeplegate Mall and was an original member of the Steeplegate Walkers. After walking, it was coffee time with fellow walkers. This tradition ended with Covid; however, she kept in touch with some of her special walking friends. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, which kept her mind sharp and jigsaw puzzles, which helped pass time during Covid and thereafter. Barbara joined a Friends Program sponsored Bone Builder class at GoodLife in 2016, that became very dear to her heart. Not only did this class keep her strong and mobile, she enjoyed the socialization of fellow ladies. Barbara was also an avid Bingo player, crafty and a skilled knitter. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all wore a sweater, hat or mittens made by her with lots of love. The Christmas stockings and homemade ornaments she created for family and friends are treasured keepsakes from her. She spent many summers at York Beach, ME. The camp at Webster Lake also held special memories.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, husband and sisters Ruth Miller and Muriel David.

Barbara was proud to be a “stay at home” Mom. She loved being a Mom, cherished becoming a Grandmother six times, and adored the nine great grandchildren who became a part of her life.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Valerie and Jeff Perkins, of Franklin,NH son and daughter in law Todd and Susie Richards, of Lynchburg, VA and son and daughter in law Jeffrey and Tracy Richards, of Kingston, NH. Her six grandchildren are Matthew Perkins(Monica) of South Portland, ME, Michael Perkins(Elissa) of Milton, MA, Jamie Didawick(Dustin) of Staunton, VA, Daniel Richards(Brooke) of Chesapeake, VA, Ryan Richards, of Liberal, KS and Lauren Rogers(Kenny) of Nashua, NH. Her nine great grandchildren are Cameron, Nathan, Kelsey, Cooper and Cassidy Perkins, Sydney Didawick, Connor and Parker Richards, and Dean Rogers. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Quinn of Port Richey, FLA and brother LeRoy French of Northfield as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Cremation Society of New Hampshire, 172 King St., Boscawen from 10:30am - 12:00pm with a service to follow. Pastor Lourey Savick will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to GoodLife Programs & Activities, 254 N State St, Unit L, Concord, NH 03301 or The Friends Program, 130 Pembroke Rd, Suite 200, Concord, NH 03301. Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen office, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://csnh.com/.