PORTLAND – Pamela Jane Richards died peacefully February 19, 2016, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. She was born January 31, 1948 in Dexter, to Frank and Myra (Stevenson) Harris.
Pam grew up in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School in the Class of 1966. She married her best friend and true love, Bob Richards, on August 24, 1968. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Language Arts in January, 1970 and Master’s Degree in Education in August, 1989, both from the University of Maine. A lifelong educator, Pam taught preschool at the Bangor YWCA for 3 years and kindergarten, transitional first grade and third grade at Vine Street School in Bangor for 19 years. She is fondly remembered by many of her students. After retirement in 2003, the University of Maine recruited Pam to supervise student teachers at Old Town Elementary School. In 2006, Pam and Bob moved to Portland to be closer to family. Her family was the joy of her life. She continued to supervise student teachers in Portland, Lewiston and Biddeford. Pam retired again in 2010 so she and Bob could drive cross country to visit landmarks, relatives and old friends. Pam loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips to England and Ireland.
She is survived by husband of 47 years, Bob Richards, and sons, Jeff and his wife Anita Richards, Andy and his wife Angela Richards and grandsons, Owen, Lucas and Christopher Richards, all of Portland; and sisters, Barbara Harding and husband Maurice Morin of Moretown, VT, Cindy Stevens of Ocean Park and Sonia and husband Dr. David Ballew of Clinton.
Pam has many lifelong and new friends. Her family would like to thank them for their many cards and prayers.
Friends and family are invited to visiting hours from 5-7 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Avenue, Portland. Donations in memory of Pam may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101 or to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, c/o Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074. To offer condolences and share memories with the family please go to www.athutchins.com. Arrangements by A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services, Portland, ME.