Lebanon, N.H. —
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Raymond F. Richard; her brothers John Sepp (Pat) of North Carolina and George Sepp (Gloria) of Texas (a third brother, Oscar Sepp of California, predeceased her). Also by her and Ray’s three sons, Bruce, David and Dean; her three daughter-in-laws, Loretta, Kathy and Christine; and three grandchildren, Jonah, Katie and Sophie.
She was born Sept. 24, 1930 in Elizabeth, N.J., the daughter of Oscar and Mae (Brown) Sepp. Her father was a graduate of the Swedish Naval Academy, and after attending the Naval Academy at Annapolis on an exchange program, went on to serve in the US Navy in World War II, serving in various theaters including on the Murmansk Run in the North Atlantic, and in the Pacific.
Gloria and Ray had an interesting life together spread across three continents – North America, Europe and Asia, as part of Ray’s career. Several years in London left Gloria with a life-long delight in England and things English. In addition, Gloria was a businesswoman in her own right: president for several years of August West Systems in Worcester Mass., where she was also in charge of her own marketing company, Merit Marketing.
After graduating from Newton High School in Queens, N.Y., she attended the School of Art and Design in New York City. She enjoyed painting and sculpting. She was an avid reader. During a year and a half in Kuwait, as part of Ray’s career, she oversaw and maintained a beautiful garden around her home under challenging desert conditions. She had a beautiful singing voice: her soft and lovely renditions of “Shenandoah,” “Red River Valley” and “Streets of Laredo” are a permanent part of her children’s memories. She was an excellent cook, loved visits from her children and grandchildren, and always made Christmas special. Her family will never forget her beauty, poise and grace.
She was a life-long and devoted Catholic who drew great strength and comfort from her faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ.
A funeral Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lebanon, N.H. on Monday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon & Enfield assisted the family with arrangements.