Marlborough – Hope J. Rickman, 63, formerly of Acton, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 at UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital.
Born in San Francisco, the daughter of Hope J. (Smith) Rickman of Marion and the late Earl C. Rickman, she was a graduate of Clayton Valley High School in Concord, Calif and attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Calif.
She proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1999, and was a war veteran of the Gulf War. She was stationed throughout the United States, as well as Italy and Korea, and was an Army photojournalist. Honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. 1C in 1999, she has most recently worked for The Ride-Veterans Transportation Services in Waltham until her death.
Ms. Rickman was a gifted artist, excelling in watercolor and acrylic media. She was a truly selfless person, always giving of herself to others. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sunny disposition, and kind heart.
Besides her mother, she leaves her brother, Jim Rickman of Marlborough, and her sister, Elizabeth “Liz” J. Leatham, along with her husband Doug of Marion, three nieces, two nephews, and five great-nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m., at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, One Morse Road, Sudbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Old Town Cemetery, Concord Road, Sudbury. There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Emphysema Foundation, 128 East Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough. All are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.
