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In Memoriam : Laurie Richards
Laurie Rice Richards - age: 61
(November 28, 1961 to June 22, 2023
)
Resident of
Gouldsboro, Maine
Obituary:
Laurie (Rice) Richards, age 61, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, ME, after a short battle with cancer, her beloved daughter and sister at her side.
Laurie was born in Haverhill, MA to her father Paul T. Rice, Jr. and mother Brenda J. (Files) Rice on November 28, 1961. She attended the Haverhill, MA school system through high school, and Northern Essex Community College, majoring in accounting. She received her bachelor's degree from New Hampshire College in business administration. She shifted her focus from accounting in her earlier career, to finance management and administration for law firms. She was the CFO for Glenn Rasmussen, Fogarty, and Hooker in Tampa, FL, for many years, before returning to New England, where she finished her career as the Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Manager for the Schoodic Institute of Acadia National Park.
Laurie was appreciated at all of her workplaces, evidenced by the outpouring of care shown to her from many of her former coworkers and employers. Laurie gave above and beyond at work, sparking periodic comments from her supervisors like, "You saved us, set us on a good path and the company will survive and thrive because of you.”
Laurie's unique quiet competence, love for her work, and collegiality was the rarest of combinations. Her contributions to her work through her lifetime added up to more than just business. She brought charm, good humor, and personal warmth to everyone who had the pleasure of working with her.
Laurie lived for the simple pleasures in life, while still always willing to dream big, learn and grow. Some of her most treasured pastimes were conversations with a close friend or family member over a cup of coffee, delicious meals prepared for her by husband Jim, her flower gardens, her dog Buddy, and time with her cherished daughter, Meghan. She loved nature and took opportunities daily to breathe in the fresh air outside on walks, and in her yard.
Laurie regularly enjoyed documentaries on history, archeology, and the more unexplained and mysterious sides of life, including ufos and near death experiences. For over a decade she delved into researching her family's ancestry, creating a book that is treasured by her loved ones.
She was truly a creative spirit no matter the undertaking, whether artistic, financial problem solving, personal and spiritual exploration, or coming up with the best possible joke in any situation.
She had an uncanny ability to see the good in others, and look on the bright side of situations. She made herself available to truly listen and be fully present, a rare gift for those around her. Her presence and humor lit up rooms in even the darkest circumstances, witnessed time and time again during her battle with cancer. Her sense of humor, wit, kindness and compassion left deep impressions on people who knew her, at work and at home.
Laurie was married to James Richards for 35 years. They enjoyed travels, nature and exploring new hobbies together. Laurie devoted herself to James' well-being as an exceptionally dedicated wife.
Laurie was a caring and immeasurably supportive mother to her daughter Meghan, whom she cherished. They were each other's best friends, and treasured the time they were able to spend together.
Laurie has left this world a better place than she found it because of all the ways her spirit has touched so many lives.
She was preceded in death by her father Paul Rice Jr., mother Brenda (Files) Rice, and aunt Pamela (Rice) O'Brien. She is survived by her husband James Richards, daughter Meghan Howland, son-in-law Alex Launi, step-daughter Leighann Richards, sister Jacki Rice, brother-in-law Michael Basso, close aunt Donna Roberts, niece Hannah Knouse, and nephews Andrew, Max and Cameron Knouse, along with many loved aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at Maria's Restaurant, Haverhill, MA, Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 1 to 4 pm.
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Debra Brown - June 29, 2023 Contact this person
I am very saddened today. My thoughts and prayers go out to Meghan, Jim, Jackie and all of Laurie's extended family.
I had the pleasure of working with Laurie at Glenn Rasmussen Fogarty & Hooker. Laurie was wonderful to work with. Laurie knew how much I loved New England, and we would often talk of my dream of moving to Boston one day - she encouraged me to consider moving further north to Maine, telling me how much she loved it and describing its beauty. When she and Jim moved to Kennebunkport, I discovered a webcam in Dock Square. We arranged for her to stand in front of the camera and wave to those of us still in the Tampa office! It was so funny - we loved seeing her and I know she must've felt some embarrassment just waving and smiling as other people passed her by on the street!
Laurie always encouraged me and added to my confidence when tackling something new. I loved her way of looking at a problem and I've kept her words in mind ever since. If I ever made a mistake she would simply say, "No worries- we can fix it." I wish I could've fixed this for you Laurie. May the Lord Bless you and keep you.
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