Madonna Lee Richardson

Our beloved sister, Madonna Lee Richardson, passed away on June 15, at the age of 72.

Born June 18, 1945, at McCall Army Hospital in Walla Walla, Madonna was the first child, and only daughter, of her parents Leonard and Evelyn Richardson.  Her early years were spent in Walla Walla, Rosalia and Spokane.  She attended St. Charles elementary school, and graduated from Marycliff High School, Class of ’63.  

 Like her mother, Madonna dedicated herself to a career in nursing, and her nursing education began at the Columbia Basin School of Nursing, which she completed in 1968.  She later graduated Eastern Washington University (B.A., 1975) and Gonzaga University (B.S. N., 1981).

Madonna’s calling to nursing came early, and never wavered.  Her first and only employer was Sacred Heart Hospital, where she work for 37 years, retiring in 2005. Her life reflected the ideal “Blessed are the Merciful”,  and surely that was her life. 

Similarly unwavering was her dedication to baseball – first to the Spokane Indians and their parent club the LA Dodgers.  Later, her loyalty shifted to the Seattle Mariners, and the depth of her knowledge of the game of baseball was a surprise to many.

Madonna  helped to raise her five rambunctious younger brothers, who all reckoned that it was an even match.  She was gentle and loving with the young, never missed a birthday, and loved sharing stories at family gatherings.  She was devoted to her parents, who loved and respected her in return.  Like all daughters, she meant the world to her father.

Following retirement, Madonna became active in the church affairs at St. Charles, participated in the Altar Society, and volunteered in the Parish Nurse Program for many years. 

For the past several years, Madonna lived at the Viking Plass retirement community, where she made many good and dear friends. 

Madonna was born a twin, but lost her sister at birth.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Patrick.  She is survived by her dear Uncle Ray Dickelman, brothers Bob (Leslie), Ron (Maggi), Tom (Michelle), Denis (Ly), and by many nephews , nieces, and cousins around the country.

The family wishes to thank Madonna’s many friends at St. Charles and Viking Plass who added such richness to her retired years.  And to the wonderful staff at Kim’s Cottage Adult Care Home, the team at Spokane Hospice, and to Nurse Amy, our love and thanks. 

Visitation will be at Hennessey Funeral Home on Friday from noon to 7, with Rosary to follow.  A memorial service will be held at St. Charles Church at 11:00 on Saturday, June 23rd, with a reception to follow.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

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