Brenda Renee Richards
August 20, 1955 - May 01, 2013
Mama Richards always had room in her heart for her own, and her chosen, children
Renee, a long-time resident of Shoreline, peacefully passed away on May 1, 2013 after suffering a heart attack. Born to her loving parents Robert and Patricia Strohm on August 20, 1955, she grew up with her sister Cheryl in Shoreline. Renee attended Paramount Park Elementary, Morgan Jr. High, and was in the Class of 1973 at Shorecrest High School. She was the co-captain of the family business, Shoreline Sign and Awning, and managed the office there for over 20 years.
Renee met her devoted husband Mick in the spring of 1972. They were married on December 31, 1974 and, soon after, started their family of six children. Raising and doing everything she could to support Karen, Bryan, Cheryl, Kevin, Jeff, and Bob were Renee’s greatest joys and accomplishments of her life. She was actively involved in the PTA at Parkwood Elementary for over 10 years, serving twice as PTA President. You could always count on seeing Renee cruising the streets of Shoreline in either her “great white” van or red convertible (with PTA MOM license plates), on her way to take her “hoods” wherever they needed to go – be it Little League Baseball, wrestling, student government, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts – you name it, she was there. Mama Richards had six children of her own, but always had room in her heart for her chosen children, which included all of her kids’ friends as well as any kid in the neighborhood. The “Queen of Ashworth,” Renee was the mom that was always home after school. She had the cupboards stocked with an abundance of the “best snacks”, which she lovingly doled out to all of the neighborhood kids who gathered at her house to talk about their day, as well as relish in her kindness, guidance, never ending love, support, and encouragement. Throughout the years and even up until her passing, Renee was quick to open her heart and home to any of her chosen kids that might have needed a place to sleep for a couple days, months, or years.
Renee leaves behind her devoted husband, Mick and all of her children: Karen (Marc) Daily, Bryan (Sasha) Richards, Cheryl Richards, Kevin Richards, Jeff (Michele) Richards, and Bob Richards. She is also survived by her loving mother, Patricia Strohm; her wonderful sister Cheryl (Mike) Kondol; her four adorable grandchildren: Will, Bianca, Gage and Mikaela; and many talented nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Robert who passed away when she was 12.
Renee enjoyed following the Mariners, painting ceramics, working in her garden, and attending hydroplane races. She was especially proud the year she watched the family’s own hydroplane race at Seafair in 2005, 2006, and 2007. She loved her pets Bozo, Pebbles, and Kuma and always made sure their bowls were full of way too many bones. Renee had a wacky sense of humor and a laugh that could light up a room. Most importantly, Renee was a collector of hearts. To meet her was to like her, and to know her was to love her. Mama Richards, you will be missed and loved forever.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
The family hopes that all who were touched by Renee can join them to celebrate her loving spirit. We will gather beginning at 1:00 pm to enjoy light appetizers, followed by a tribute program that will start around 2:00.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013 Time: 1:00-5:00 Location: Embassy Suites Lynnwood 20610 44th Ave West, Lynnwood, Washington, 98036, USA
DONATIONS
The family welcomes flowers, as Renee loved working in her garden. However, in lieu of flower, donations can also be made to the following charities, which represent causes near and dear to Renee’s heart.
Memorial
Legacy of Love
A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.