Doreen Richard

Doreen Beryl Richard (Green) 92, Great Falls, MT passed away at Benefis Hospital on June 26, 2018 after a courageous battle with pneumonia.

Born in West Bromwich England on September 30, 1925, Doreen met her husband Albert George Richard of Loma Montana while he was a soldier stationed in England during WWII.  They farmed the George Richard homestead near Loma MT, (talk about a culture shock); they were married for 54 years and had seven children. 

During WWII, Doreen was a comptometer (the first commercially successful key-driven mechanical calculator) operator for J. Brockhouse. She did a lot of concert party work during the war; Doreen's  specialty was impressions of Carmen Miranda. She spent many evenings entertaining local and foreign troops with her own one-woman show. 

Doreen, (know as Beryl almost all her life), arrived in the states in December 1945 and married Albert George Richard on January 4, 1946. She taught herself to cook and tried to adjust to the prairie after arriving from the big city. She continued to exhibit her acting skills by participating in the Fort Benton Community theatre. She was active in the Fort Benton PTA and volunteered at the Fort Benton Hospital. Doreen was an avid reader, knitter, needlepointer and advocate for peace and abused animals. 

Doreen's grandson Aimery Richard summed it up like this:

Today, at 6AM, we lost our Granny, (the name her grandchildren know).  Such a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. 
Straight from England, she met my Papa during WWII while he was
stationed in Europe. Granny said,"My mother says not to trust you
American boys." To which my papa said,"You should listen to your
mother." That's how they met each other and fell in love.

Granny and I would go out nearly every weekend on a lunch date. 
Granny would grab her "pocket book" and have tomato soup with me. 
If you can believe it, my Granny was feisty while my Papa was the strong silent type. 
I wish I could go back in time and meet the younger versions of my grandparents.

Rest in peace Granny. I love you so very much and I'll meet you there, don't worry. 
We will have our tea and crumpets just like we always talked about... ;)

Doreen's son Griffyth added: 

She was a wonderful mother and incredible woman. I could try to go into all the things she taught me and what she tried to teach me. I could write a book on her love for
her family and the compassion she had for all people on the planet and
the animals, especially those who suffered. 

The British war bride has returned to the arms of her American soldier.

Doreen is survived by her sister Hazel Spencer of San Diego, CA, five children, daughter Martyna Duran, Denver, CO; son Grant Richard (Darlene) of Billings MT; daughter Marcia Richard of Spokane Washington; son Graham Richard (Susan) of Great Falls MT; son Griffyth Richard (Rocio) of Billings, MT; eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grand children. Doreen was preceded in death by her husband Albert (2000) and sons George (2010) and Glenn (1963).

The family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Baptist, Benefis Hospital for his care, dedication and compassion. 

Two viewings are scheduled. The first viewing is Friday, June 29, 2018, 6PM - 8PM at Croxford Funeral Home in Great Falls, MT. The second viewing is in Fort Benton at the First Christian Church on June 30, 2018 at 12PM with funeral services at 2PM, and a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery with reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doreen Beryl Richard's life. 

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