Mary Townshend Naylor “T” Richardson

“T” Richardson (Mary Townshend (Naylor) Richardson) passed away peacefully on November 30, 2017.

Family and friends are invited to a service  for “T”, at the Williamsburg Inn (East Lounge) on Wednesday, December 6 at 1:00 PM with a gathering and remembrance following.  She will be buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery with immediate family present. Bucktrout Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
“T,” as she was known to all, was born on March 3, 1931 in Oakland, Maryland in the far western part of the state renowned for its mountainous beauty. She visited throughout her life, enjoying time with her sisters, Anne (Naylor) Grant and Olivia (Naylor) Mersing, both of whom predeceased her.

After graduating Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) in the early 1950s, “T” married Philip Richardson of Toano, Virginia. They settled in Williamsburg where “T” would spend the rest of her life. She was involved for many years with the Occasion for the Arts and Green Springs Garden Club. She enjoyed golf, bridge, gardening, painting and completed several challenging crosswords every morning.

“T” is mourned by her children, Whit Richardson of Williamsburg, Sally (David) Porush of San Mateo, California, and Edward Richardson of Williamsburg, as well as 7 grandchildren, Valerie Porush (Zachary) Hoffman, Dana Porush, Benjamin Porush, Holly Richardson, Sam Richardson, Ryan Richardson and Caroline Richardson. “T” was also blessed to know and loved her 4 great-granddaughters Siona, Perri, Edie and Noa Marigold Hoffman, who is named for her great-grandmother. Martha Richardson, Jennifer Richardson and Iris Porush were also beloved by “T,” and they mourn her loss, as does former husband Philip Richardson.

For many years “T” bowled weekly with “the Thursday bowling girls”. Long after this group of Williamsburg women gave up bowling, they lunched together regularly, one of the highlights of her week. She nearly always wore a pin in the shape of a turtle and was a member of the infamous “Turtle Club” and even in her last weeks could utter the answer to the club-code, “Are you a Turtle?” (Only members know the answer!)

Ma “T”, as she was known to her grandkids, will be remembered for the joy and grace she brought to every occasion. She taught her children and grandchildren optimism, kindness and love of life and family. She loved to laugh, listen to Sinatra, and was the consummate host. She carried herself with poise and dignity. Even in her final days “T” would tell visitors “I’m the luckiest woman alive.” Those who knew her were the lucky ones.

“T”’s last four years were spent at the Williamsburg Landing in Woodhaven Hall. The family is deeply indebted to the tireless staff that cared for her with love and devotion.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations in “T”’s memory to the American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org or to the Williamsburg Community Foundation (https://williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org/.