Veronica Catherine Richards

Veronica Catherine Richards, 104, of Elizabeth Township passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born April 11, 1921, in East Liberty to the late Raymond Ward and Pauline Rosella (Gross) Richards. She was the loving wife to the late Charles Ray Richards before his passing in 2014. Veronica grew up with a deep love for music and a strong devotion to her Catholic faith-two pillars that shaped the beautiful life she lived. In her teenage years she played guitar, and alongside her sisters, they formed “The Richards’ Sisters,” that delighted many by singing at local parties and events, even earning second place on the Wilson Amateur Hour on WJAS-just behind the famed Andrews Sisters. Music has became the center of not only her world, but eventually, the family she created too. A faithful member of her St. Michael's parish, Veronica was active in nearly every aspect of church life. She sang in the choir, taught CCD classes, sewed intricate details onto priestly vestments, baked tirelessly for Fish Fry and the church festivals, to then running those tables, and lent her boundless time to the Christian Mothers group. After retiring, Veronica found joy in a simple family life. She was the heart of Sunday dinners, always cooking, baking, and bringing everyone together. Her hands were rarely still-whether sewing, crocheting, creating ceramic pieces, or attending every event her grandchildren participated in. She was a devoted homemaker, and always put her family first. She especially cherished those beach vacations and traveling with her beloved husband during their golden years. By the words of Veronica - "The secret to a long life is laughter." She is survived by her sons, Ronald R. (the late Judith) Richards of McKeesport, and Gregory M. (Diana) Richards of Commerce, TX.; daughters, Valerie A. (David) Sas of North Huntingdon, and Rita M. (Jerry) Martin of Eighty-Four; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; godsons, Patrick A. Schmidt of White Oak, and Peter G. Chronowski of Spring City; sister, Agnes "Honey" Chronowski of White Oak; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Veronica is preceded in death by her siblings, H. Marie Heinrichs, Marcella Schmidt, and Raymond Richards. Friends are welcome Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 3-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral Mass will take place Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:00 am at Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church (PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Veronica's honor to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews - IFCJ via https://fundraise.givesmart.com/ Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com