Mary Newman Richards Obituary

Mary Doran Newman Richards, 89 of Norwalk, CT, passed away on September 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 3, 1936, in Yonkers, NY, Mary lived a long and meaningful life centered around the people she loved most. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family was her greatest joy and proudest legacy. The daughter of Arthur J. and Katherine C. Doran, Mary was the fourth-born of eight Doran children who grew up at 265 Palisades Avenue. After completing high school at Elizabeth Seton in Yonkers, Mary graduated from Marymount College in Manhattan and began work as a Kindergarten teacher.

In 1960 she married her first love, J. Robert "Bob" Newman, also of Yonkers, and settled in Norwalk. She was a woman of many talents and had an extraordinary zest for life. Musically inclined, she played the piano and loved to sing, often bringing people together through music. As a long time member of Shorehaven Golf Club, she organized "mini-frolics" talent shows with the kids leading them in spirited performances of old Broadway songs. She loved playing bridge, tennis and, later in life, took up golf, even winning several nine-hole tournaments. Importantly, Mary served the community as a member of the Norwalk Hospital Woman's Board, volunteering at the Treasure House thrift store for many years.

Her greatest role was that of mother. As a devoted stay-at-home mom to six children—five boys and one girl—she was deeply involved in her children's schools and activities, making sure everyone got where they needed to be and cheering them on along the way. Mary was a gifted artist and used her creative talents with things ranging from crafty Halloween costumes to boosting the grade on school projects of her thankful children. She was the life of every party, with a wonderful ability to make people laugh, sing, and stay a little longer. More than once, she invited the piano player from the bar back to the house so the singing could continue. She was beautiful, strong, patient and always showed grace. She had a gift for celebrating life, and her joy, warmth, and love of music will be remembered by all. She also had a love for puns and practical jokes, especially every April 1st.

Widowed in 1990, Mary married Jim Richards in 1997 expanding her family to include Cindy, Chris and Steve and their children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her six children, Bob (Theresa) of Wayne, PA; Jim (Karen) of New Canaan, CT; Ed (Robin) of Margate City, NJ; Chris (Susan) of Timonium, MD; Maura (JP) of Norwalk, CT; and Craig (Jaime) of Louisville, KY; as well as her seventeen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of the Doran "Great Eight" and is survived by countless nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Mary.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Bob Newman (1990) and Jim Richards (2012).

While her family mourns her passing, they are extraordinarily grateful for the many years they were blessed to share with her. Her life will continue to be reflected in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and in the countless memories they carry with them.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday September 19th at 10:30am at St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church in Norwalk. The family will receive visitors at Magner's Funeral Home 12 Mott Avenue in Norwalk from 4pm to 8pm on Friday September 18th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 In memory of Mary Richards.