Ann M. Richards-O’Brien, 88, of Grafton

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Obit Ann M. Richards-O'BrienGrafton – Ann M. (Bechard) Richards-O’Brien, 88, of Grafton, died peacefully Thursday, June 18, 2015 at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after a brief illness.

Ann is survived by her three daughters, Susan J. Dunster and her husband Ricky of Grafton, Cynthia A. Dauphinais and her husband Roger of Shrewsbury, formerly of Grafton, and JoAnne Gribbons and her husband Paul of Worcester; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a number of nieces and cousins.

Ann was born June 12, 1927 in Augusta, Maine, daughter of Edward and Eileen (Stone) Bechard. She was predeceased by her first husband William (Billy) Richards in 1962 and by her second husband Harry P. O’Brien in 1967.

For many years, Ann was the office manager at Patrick Motors in Worcester and Auburn, and prior to that she was employed at Progressive Shippers in Worcester.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton, where she once served on the finance committee. She was also a member of the National Audubon Society and the Professional Business Women’s Association.

Ann was a fun and engaging lady who had an inherent ability to engage her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in conversation, always taking a unique yet equal interest in all of them. She loved Cape Cod, a tradition that started over 60 years ago, with many memorable vacations in South Wellfleet. In later years, the tradition was continued with family trips to Nantucket and Sandwich. She also enjoyed trips to Dennis with “F Troop,” and to Bermuda with extended family.

She loved many things, including reading, crossword puzzles, and especially the more challenging Sunday puzzle. She also enjoyed weekly card games with her friends in Grafton, socializing with the ladies at Forest Lane and for many years her Westborough bridge group. In addition, she was an avid bird watcher.

Ann lived a full life up until her final days and had a deep and lasting impression on everyone she came to know. She will be deeply missed at weekly Sunday dinners with her daughters and their families, as well as at family outings, vacations and holiday gatherings of which she was such an important part.

Ann’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring and compassionate team at the UMass Memorial Critical Care Unit who showed their respect and concern for her through her final moments.

Flowers may be sent or memorial donations made to Be Like Brit at www.belikebrit.org.

All are invited to calling hours Monday, June 22, from 4-7 p.m., at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 23 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton. The procession will leave the funeral home at 9:40 a.m. She will then be laid to rest at Hope Cemetery in Worcester.

An online book for condolences and to share memories is available at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.

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