Lorraine P. Richards, 89

Lorraine Penelope Richards, 89, passed away at St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Laconia, on Dec. 5, 2025.

Known as “Penny” by the many people who loved her, she was the daughter of Russell and Gertrude MacNeill, formerly of Easton, Massachusetts.

She and her husband, Edward Richards, were high school sweethearts. She was just 18 years old when they were married and she was whisked off to Japan to be with “Eddie” during his service in the U.S. Army. They lived there for nearly two years before returning home with their newborn son in tow. Penny described living in her little cottage as a new bride and mother, in a foreign land, and the trip back to the U.S. on a military ship, as the firsts of many adventures and challenges of her lifetime.

They settled in Norton, Massachusetts, where Ed took over the operation of his father’s poultry farm, Harco Orchards. There they expanded their own nest to three children. Penny’s life would begin yet a new chapter when Ed, on one of his many trips delivering breeding chicks around New England, discovered Lake Winnipesaukee and Saunders Bay Motel and Cottages in Gilford. With child No. 4 on the way, they uprooted their lives to become the new owners/operators of the business. Penny spent the next years providing hospitality to strangers, many of whom became not just returning guests, but lifelong friends. She became admired by all for her honesty and industriousness. Her children and employees quickly learned not to cross her with a poorly made bed without the requisite hospital corners.

She also left her mark in Henniker, where she and Ed operated Mile-Away Campground. The travel bug bit and was the impetus for a subsequent half year adventure touring our beautiful country in their motor home.

Longing to be back in the Lakes Region, Ed and Penny settled in Belmont. Penny worked in customer service at Munsey & Brazil and DeCamp Financial. She was well-respected by coworkers and clients for her efficiency, reliability, and kindness.

Penny never did anything with mediocrity. She was impeccable: in her words, her actions, her love and her faith.

She was generous to all. A talented craftswoman and gardener, she created masterpieces: wedding and birthday cakes, handmade quilts, and memory books.

She is predeceased by her husband of 71 years. She is loved and will be missed by her children, Howard and Brenda Richards, Joyce and David Evans, Carol and Daniel DeVries, and Jennifer and Jeffrey Velie; her 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a dear sister-in-law, Dottie MacNeill; numerous nieces and nephews; and the dearest of friends, each of whom enriched her life.

She faced innumerable joys and trials with courage, patience, strength and devotion to her Lord and Savior. In fulfillment of her wishes, her family will celebrate her life while honoring her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Laconia. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, it was Penny’s request that donations be made in her memory to either Abe and Rachel Powell, c/o Grace Presbyterian Church, 174 Province St., Laconia, for their overseas work in Language Studies, or to Massachusetts General Hospital Pediatric Oncology Unit, giving.massgeneral.org/donate.