Patricia (Patty) Pace Richard passed away on May 29, after a long battle with ovarian cancer, at age 81, surrounded by her loving children and oldest granddaughter at her home in Crane Hill, AL overlooking her favorite view of Smith Lake.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Mary Richards Pace and William H Pace; stepfather: Lawrence S Morgan and half-sister: Laura Morgan.
Survived by sister: Mary Jo Boswell of NC and half-sister: Kathy Morgan Sullivan of AR
She was married to James Richard (divorced, deceased) of Birmingham, AL for 25 years. She was the loving mother of Sherry Chamblee (Robby), Mark Richard (Ginger, deceased) and Patrick Richard (Greta), and proud Grani of grandchildren Danielle Parmar (Rishabh), Tyler Richard, Katelyn Richard and step-grandson Colin Tice.
Further survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many loving friends.
Patty graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, TX and attended the University of Montevallo in AL. She lived in several locations over her lifetime including Ft. Smith AR, Fayetteville, AR, La Jolla, CA, Asheville, NC, Houston, TX, Lowry, VA, Goodwater, AL, Montevallo, AL, Metro Birmingham, AL and Crane Hill, AL.
Patty had a very successful career in the insurance industry for 35 years beginning at Liberty National Life Insurance, then Southeast Underwriting Service & Champion Insurance Company (Exec VP), Palomar Insurance Corporation, and The Prewitt Group. She also was very active in insurance organizations such as Insurance Women of Birmingham (President 1985) and was named Insurance Woman of the Year in 1987. She also served a term as President of the Brokers & Managing Agents Association. Patty was a well-respected trailblazer and leading example for businesswomen of her time.
Patty was a member of Unity of Birmingham and worked in the bookstore and as an event planner for the church during the 1990’s. She was also a certified master gardener who enjoyed growing and nurturing her garden. She enjoyed world traveling, art, nature, science fiction and history. Patty had an adventurous spirit, a contagious laugh, a spunky attitude and a positive zest for life. She had a big open heart that was felt by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at her home in Crane Hill on June 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Unity of Birmingham or Crane Hill Senior Center.
Fly High dear Mom!! We all love you so!!
