Deana (Bernardine) Richard lost her courageous and valiant 20-year battle with cancer at the age of 70 on Friday, November 3, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 48 years Peter Richard. Deana was born on Oct. 20, 1947 in Hartford, CT to Arthur E. Hills and Eleanor (Mehan) Hills, who predeceased her. She grew up in a loving family with three sisters and frequently told fond stories about her grandmother who was like a second mother and helped her pursue an education at East Catholic High School in Manchester, graduating in 1965. In college, she met her best friend, soulmate and love of her life, Peter and the two were married shortly thereafter.
Lifelong residents of Manchester, CT, Deana and Peter created a warm, loving home where they raised three children – Tammy, Daryl and Brendan. Deana spent 16 years creating that welcoming home as a stay at home Mom for her children before returning to work, first as an elementary school aid and then as a Client Service Representative in the High Net Worth Department of Bank of America where she retired from in October 2011.
Deana’s two greatest passions were her family and the outdoors; she and Peter could be found in their yard working side by side for hours nurturing beautiful gardens. When not in the yard, they could be found golfing, hiking, snow skiing, lounging alongside each other on a beach, or sitting on the bleachers watching any of their five grandchildren’s sports and school activities. Deana also enjoyed doing things with her many friends, in particular trying out new recipes on them.
When diagnosed with cancer she remained active and her passions in both her work and her family gave her the strength and will to fight her illness for many years. She remained a brave, iron-willed woman, even throughout her final months.
Besides her husband, Deana is also survived by her daughter Tammy Darrah and her spouse David; son Daryl and his spouse Jessica; son Brendan and his spouse Beth; as well as five grandchildren; Alexia Darrah, Matilda Darrah, Katelyn Richard, Colin Richard and Jacob Richard. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna (Hills) Rabbitt and Dale (Hills) Pauqette, her brother-in-law and spouse Normand G. and Maureen Richard; sister-in-law and spouse Lisa (Richard) and John Glenn as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister Debbie Hills.
The family wants to thank the many nurses and caring staff at St. Francis Oncology Center, especially Dr. Jonathan Sporn and her nurses Joy and Nella. The caregivers and nurses of Masonicare Partners Hospice for the tender and loving care given to Deana in her last weeks as well as to the many friends for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Francis Oncology Center, Masonicare Partners Hospice or Carcinoid Cancer Research at Dana Farber, Boston, MA.