Jean “Patsy” Richards, age 83, passed away unexpectedly at Lahey Hospital on August 25, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was the devoted wife of the late Michael (Mickey) A. Richards, with whom she shared 59 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2023. Rarely was it Jean or Mickey but more often than not it was Jean and Mickey as they were inseparable.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 14, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Reginald and Bernice (Deslandes) Kirven. In 1977, Jean and Mickey courageously began building a new life for herself and her two children in the United States. Though she left a piece of her heart in Jamaica, she felt her life truly did begin again after settling in Massachusetts. She was fortunate to remain closely connected to a cherished group of lifelong friends who had immigrated throughout the United States and Canada around the same time. More like sisters than friends, they shared a bond that endured for decades and helped keep their connection to Jamaica alive.

As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Jean was simply remarkable. She possessed an easygoing spirit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a warm, welcoming personality that made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went. She always made time for the people she loved and cultivated an enormous circle of family and friends who adored her just as much in return. When surrounded by those she cared about, she was at her happiest—laughing, sharing stories, and making everyone feel at ease.

No matter the occasion, she was always impeccably dressed. She never left the house without looking her best and carried herself with effortless elegance. She loved anything that sparkled and firmly believed that a touch of gold could make almost anything a little more beautiful including the jewelry that she loved to make after one of her many trips to the craft store.

Nothing brought Jean more joy than spending time with her family. She eagerly anticipated vacationing or going to the beach with her children and grandchildren and the special sleepover weekends with her grandchildren that were filled with laughter, fun, and a few treats their parents didn’t need to know about. Even the simpler things in life that she did with her children and grandchildren including staying up late nights talking, trading stories or driving her to get her nails done. Her family learned so much about her that they didn’t know during these times.

Holidays were a cornerstone of Jean’s life and family traditions. Thanksgiving was celebrated with care and intention, complete with everyone dressed in their finest attire, cloth napkins neatly set at the table, and the best dishware on display. There was always an abundance of food, ensuring that everyone left with leftovers and fond memories of her incredible cooking. Christmas, however, held a special place in her heart. She delighted in taking her grandchildren to the Boston Holiday Pops each year and transformed gift-giving into an art form, carefully selecting a unique wrapping theme and crafting perfect bows for every member of her family.

Above all, Jean will be remembered for the love she so freely gave. She was a “Grammy” not only to her own grandchildren, but to anyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, quickly becoming a beloved part of every community, she joined. Her gentle nature, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to family and friends were gifts that touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed by her adoring children, Simone Tigges and her husband Jim of Burlington, and Warren Richards and his wife Christine of Duxbury; her cherished grandchildren, Lindsey Woodward and her husband Ben of Reading, Adam Tigges and his wife Nina of Chelmsford, Tyler Richards, Chloe Richards and Sianna Richards all from Duxbury; her loving great-grandchildren, Alexander “AJ” Woodward, and Jordan Woodward; her beloved Burlington friends, Geri DeGurski, Fern Patterson, and Barbara Moran, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, and friends, old and new alike.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, September 1 from 9:30 am until 11:30 am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 12 pm. Burial will immediately follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s honor may be made to People of People of Burlington.