Obituary of Patricia Caroline (Hadley) Richards

Patricia Caroline (Hadley) Richards died with her daughters by her side on October 12, 2020 at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth MN. Her smile and spunkiness remained despite Alzheimer’s Disease and will be missed by many. Her love of music, especially jazz, brought her pleasure till the end.

Born September 11, 1928 in Dearborn Michigan to Ethel (Norris) and Henry (Harry) Hadley, Pat was a graduate of Dearborn High School and a proud resident of Dearborn for over 85 years. She developed a strong work ethic growing up in her parents’ grocery store which continued to her retirement at age 63 as a manager for Winkelman’s fashion stores in Detroit. Her love for animals was lifelong, rescuing numerous dogs and cats, birds and other creatures.

In 2013, Pat moved to Duluth Minnesota to live with daughter Candice with the extraordinary support of her daughters, the Benedictine Adult Day Service, dear friends Mara Hart and Gordon Levine and many others. In August 2017 Pat moved to Safe Harbor at the B.H.C. and enjoyed excellent care and nightly visits from her daughters until March 2020 COVID restrictions.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elaine Lee (Stanley) Passage, former husband William M. Richards and nephew Denis Passage.

She is survived by her daughters: Candice Richards, Karla Richards (Chris Kondogan) of Duluth and Kristen Richards of Dearborn Michigan; Grandsons Scott (Anna Moga) Solowiej of St. Paul, Sean Solowiej of Albuquerque NM; Great-Grandsons Benjamin, Thomas and Elan Solowiej; niece Michelle (Richard) Rummel, nephew Richard (Carol) Passage, cousin Jack McCloud, loyal friend Hanna Hasty, many grand-nieces and nephews and dear friends old and new.

Patricia’s ashes will be returned home to Dearborn Michigan in Spring 2021 when family and friends can gather.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Animal Allies.  Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota Duluth