The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-28
OBITUARY..
Mrs, ID, T.. Richards.

Tho death of Mrs. ID. 7. Richards. al
though not unexpected, makes many
hearts sad and has brought grief to u
large family circle. She died Saturday
afternoon at 3 o'clock. Her full name
was Margaret Roberts Richards. She was
born near Pottsville, Pa, sixty years ago.
Losing her mother when quite young she
was brought by her father to Pittston,
where she lived until she married Mr..
Richards. Her parents came from Mon
mCuthshire England her mother being 4
near relative of William Edwards, known
throughout Great Britain as famous
bridge builder
Mrs. Richards early life in Pittston
made her many friends who will ho!d her
virtues in loving remembrance for The
years to come. Mr.. Faleston, now of Lon
don, the Germans, the Laws, the Rich
arts, and many others belonging to the
immediate circle of her young woman
hood will grieve to find that she has gone
beyond the reach of their friendly aid and
affection.
Mrs. Richards married life has been
spent in Hyde Park. Her family have
grown TO manhood and womanhood. Sur
viving her are her husband, Mr.. ID. Il.
Richards, her son, Thomas NJ Richards,
her daughters, Mrs. W. W. Patterson.
Anna May Richards and Edith Frink
Richards. While the deceased suffered from
severe heart trouble for more than two
years. her death was quiet and peaceful
and the smile which made her face charm
ing in life now llumincs her features In
death.
Mrs. Richards qualities of mind aud
heart were OF such Il character that her
demise deserves more than the passing
notice of On ordinary newspaper item.
Her many hundred friends especially her
women friends, viii not hesitate to say
that she was one woman in ten thousand.
Possessed of a keen, observing mind, her
opportunities brought her in contact with
the works of the best authors. ana her
accurate and extensive knowledge of the
English language combined with her
treasures of information made her Il most
interesting cOnversatonalist. There are
many who have spent half an hour with
her when the talk was about books and
authors, that will never forget the charm
of her presence, her bright sayings and
her marvellous memory. But her chief
attraction to the large circle of her friends
was her loving and lovabe disposition
She had "A sunny temperament and she
diffused sunshine wherever she was. For
this reason her home was always full OF
young people and children. and she was
aunt Maggie" to hundreds who bore no
relation to her. She had "A kind word for
everybody and she scattered roses over
everybody's path in life. We cannot pass
over another trait in her character; and
that is her boundess charity. While she
was not burdened with an abundance Of
| this worlds goods We are sure that no.
body went empty handed from her door.
The weary, the wayward. the unfortu-
| nate. the widow and the orphan, found
| their way to her heart and home. She,
maybe, exceeded her ability in helping
them in n material way, but she showcred
! upon them a wealth of Christian kind
ness without stint or measure Even the
most incorrigible tramp was given help
| and words of kindness And she had the
| broader charity which Is blind to the
! weaknesses of human nature. but open
eyed to its virtues and good qualities.
| She was never known to speak an i'll word
of man or woman and she would not per-
mil 1t to be done in her presence.
The words we have penned are not in
tended AS an eulogy or pancgyrlc, but as
"A simple honest and truthful tribute Of
respect to the exceptional character Of
the deceased. Death, indeed, has closed
! II shining mark, in this ease.
The funeral services will I've held at the
house on Scranton street Tuesday ut II
II. m., and will be conducted by the Revs.
Jones and Moffatt. Interment in Wash
burn street cemetery.