Obituary of Jane Richards

Jane (McGuirk) Richards of Cambridge, born on December 21, 1936, passed away on January 31, 2023.  Beloved wife of the late Robert E. Richards.  Loving mother of Robert and his wife Lisa, Susan, Paul and Kathryn.  Loving grandmother of Robert and Stephen Richards, Elijah and Olivia Scott, Lucy and Ella Richards and Maxwell Montpeller.  Twin sister of the late Elizabeth (McGuirk) Sheerin.  Sister of Joseph McGuirk, the late Patricia (McGuirk) McElearney, Sister Christine Ann McGuirk, S.N.D., Michael McGuirk and Mary Ellen McGuirk. Aunt Jane to 16 nieces and nephews and their children.  Jane was a graduate of Mt. Auburn Nursing School class of 1959 and UMASS Boston College of Public and Community Service class of 1982.  Jane was a dedicated community nurse at Mt. Auburn Hospital, Cambridge YMCA Camp Massapoag, Pine Street Inn Women's Clinic and the Visiting Nurse Association, among other community settings.  Jane understood the responsibilities of leadership as the Vice President of the National Student Nurses Association, the first President of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association and as a member of many community groups serving the people of Cambridge. Jane was an activist striving for social justice for all people and a comfort and support to many. She was a founding member of Cambridge’s first Community Garden. Flowers brought her joy and painting brought her peace. Funeral mass on Saturday February 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Church, 134 Norfolk Street, Cambridge.  Friends and relatives are invited.  Visiting hours Friday February 24, 2023, 4-7 p.m. at John C. Burns Funeral Home 305 Broadway, Cambridge.  In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Jane’s name to the Community Art Center, 119 Windsor Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 (Community Art Center) or the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 (Pine Street Inn).