Geraldine “Gerri” Richards, a longtime educator and beloved matriarch of a family that owned two of the southwest suburbs’ most prominent weekly newspapers, died Feb. 24 at age 82. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles E. Richards and devoted mother and grandmother.
Gerri and her late husband, Charles, were central figures in the southwest suburban journalism community. The Richards family owned The Regional News, Palos Heights’ oldest business, for 67 years and acquired The Reporter in 1986. Charles Richards retired in 2005, passing the role of publisher to their daughter, Amy Richards, who continues to oversee operations even after the newspapers became what is now Southwest Regional Publishing.
Born Geraldine Foley, she was the cherished mother of Amy Richards and her husband, Derek Chamberlain, and the adored grandmother of Sullivan Chamberlain. She also treasured her siblings, Joe Foley and his partner Chris, and Mary Linda Flynn and her husband, Peter.
Beyond the newsroom, Richards devoted much of her life to education as assistant superintendent of Orland District 135. Colleagues remember her leadership and care for students and staff alike, and friends recall her warmth, family devotion, and quiet guidance throughout the community.
Visitation will be held Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by services at 11 a.m., at Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park. She will be laid to rest at Palos Oak Hill Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Richards’ memory may leave a message on her Tribute Wall at www.sheehyfh.com or plant a tree through the Sympathy Store.