Obituary for Catherine C. Rickard
Catherine C. Rickard, age 81 of Pittsfield, MA passed away on Sunday, April 7, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden, AL on March 13, 1943. She graduated from Camden Academy in 1960 before moving to Pittsfield, MA in 1962. Continuing her education, she graduated from Berkshire Community College with an associates degree in Human Services.
Catherine was a loving and caring person. She began her career in Early Childhood Education, where she spent more than 30 years in that profession.
Catherine was a lifelong and active member faithfully serving Second Congregational Church in Pittsfield, MA. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess and Church Historian. She also had many roles in the community, as a child advocate, volunteering at many organizations and working at the election voting polls. Her hobbies included gardening, bowling and attending her grandchildren's sporting events.
Catherine is predeceased by her parents Bishop and Lettie Cannon, and brothers Walter Cannon, King Cannon and Elbert Cannon.
Catherine leaves behind her loving husband James Rickard of 59 years whom she married on June 27, 1964, daughters Connie Rickard and Cynthia Rickard (Scott). Catherine also leaves behind sisters Paula Heckstall (Frank), Ella Cannon and Bessie Long (Kennet); brother Marvin Cannon (Jennifer), grandchildren Myles Phillips (Christie); Mason Phillips and Akira Derr, four great-grandchildren Deondre, Marquel, Kyrie, Soleil Phillips. Catherine is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is extremely thankful to the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Care of the Berkshires.
The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 16 at the Second Congregational Church, 50 Onota St., Pittsfield. The Calling Hours will be 9am to 10am and the Funeral from 10am -11am. The Burial will follow at the Pittsfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Catherine's name to the Second Congregational Church.
Funeral Services provided by Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield MA.
Catherine was a loving and caring person. She began her career in Early Childhood Education, where she spent more than 30 years in that profession.
Catherine was a lifelong and active member faithfully serving Second Congregational Church in Pittsfield, MA. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess and Church Historian. She also had many roles in the community, as a child advocate, volunteering at many organizations and working at the election voting polls. Her hobbies included gardening, bowling and attending her grandchildren's sporting events.
Catherine is predeceased by her parents Bishop and Lettie Cannon, and brothers Walter Cannon, King Cannon and Elbert Cannon.
Catherine leaves behind her loving husband James Rickard of 59 years whom she married on June 27, 1964, daughters Connie Rickard and Cynthia Rickard (Scott). Catherine also leaves behind sisters Paula Heckstall (Frank), Ella Cannon and Bessie Long (Kennet); brother Marvin Cannon (Jennifer), grandchildren Myles Phillips (Christie); Mason Phillips and Akira Derr, four great-grandchildren Deondre, Marquel, Kyrie, Soleil Phillips. Catherine is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is extremely thankful to the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Care of the Berkshires.
The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 16 at the Second Congregational Church, 50 Onota St., Pittsfield. The Calling Hours will be 9am to 10am and the Funeral from 10am -11am. The Burial will follow at the Pittsfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Catherine's name to the Second Congregational Church.
Funeral Services provided by Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield MA.