Obituary: Mari Richards

Mari Richards

March 18, 1960 – June 21, 2024

Mari Geraldine Richards (Lewis), 64, of Birch Bay, died peacefully in Bellingham, WA at the PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice House on the morning of June 21, 2024. She was with family and friends as she embarked on her final journey, guided by the arc of the summer solstice.

Mari was born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada in 1960 to Jacquelyn and Ronald Lewis joining her two older brothers and awaiting the arrival of her younger sister; all of whom eventually connected with the pack of children who “ran wild” in the neighborhood. After she completed school in Oakville, she headed west to Calgary, Alberta to join the growing workforce of the 1970s oil boom, first in the oil patch but then into banking. Once in banking and finance Mari had found her niche pursuing a career in the field for more than 35 years.

After Alberta, she made her way to the west coast of B.C. and eventually Washington State where she met and made home with Steve Richards in Point Roberts for over 20 years. About four years ago, with tentative steps into early retirement Mari quickly found community in Birch Bay, WA becoming a pickleball enthusiast and dedicated walker of the environs of Birch Bay.

Mari was preceded in death by her brother Stephen, father Ronald, and nephew Dale, and is survived by her husband Steve, mother Jacquelyn, sister Kitty, brother Patrick, nieces Willow and Jamie, nephews Teiji and Joel, step children Shaunna and Blake, and grandchildren, Kali and Taylor.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the care, kindness, and attention provided to Mari by all the good folks at Whatcom Hospice House. A celebration of Mari’s life will be held at a future date in Birch Bay. In lieu of flowers or cards please consider making donations to PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice House (2806 Douglas Ave. Bellingham, WA, 98225).