Joann Lopez Richardson

JoAnn Lopez Richardson, August 16, 1947 May 08, 2011, resident of Salida, CO. After a courageous 2 year battle with cancer, JoAnn passed away peacefully with her family at her home in Salida, CO. JoAnn was born in Fairview, New Mexico and was raised in both Espanola and Abiquiu, New Mexico. JoAnn graduated from Espanola Valley High School and after graduation was employed by the New Mexico State Highway Department as a Systems Analyst. She retired from the Highway Department in the mid 1980s to stay home and raise her 2 children. While at home she attended the Northern New Mexico Community College and the Santa Fe Community College taking courses in education and began substitute teaching for the Pojoaque School District. JoAnn moved to Salida, CO with her husband and children in 2004. JoAnn was one of six children born to the late Juan D. Lopez and Dilia M. Lopez and was the cherished and beloved wife of George Henry Richardson for over 34 years. JoAnn will forever be remembered by her devoted and loving sisters Frances L. Frazier, Martha E. Austin, Carmen L. Jones, and the late Lucille L. Winder, her adored brother Gabriel J. Lopez, beloved children James Harley Richardson and Kimberly Delia Richardson, treasured nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, caring in-laws, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know her. JoAnn loved country and western dancing, travelling with everyones needs were met. JoAnn had the wonderful gift of gab and people found her easy to talk to, hence she made friends wherever she went, near or far. JoAnn also immensely enjoyed teasing and kidding with her sisters about being the best bowler on their bowling team at Nationals because she always won the money. Friends and family are invited to attend rosary services Thursday August 4th and Friday, August 5th, 2011, at 7:00PM at the Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe Church, 9 Grazing Elk Drive, Pojoaque Valley, New Mexico with family receiving condolences beginning at 6:30PM each evening. Celebration of Catholic mass will be held Saturday, August 6th, 2011, at 11:00 AM also at church, with a luncheon to follow. Colorado services were held May 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2011 in Salida, CO. The family requests that if flowers are to be sent that they be plants that can be replanted or in lieu of flowers make donations to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, The Poor Clares, or The Humane Society in your local community in JoAnns name.