Obituary for Molly Jeannette Richmond (Sainsbury)
RICHMOND, Molly Jeannette
1925 – 2020
Molly Richmond of Calgary, formerly of Swift Current, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully with family at her side at Covenant Care – Holy Cross Manor on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 95 years. Born in Barry, Glamorgan, South Wales, U.K., Molly was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Olive Sainsbury and her brother Jim. She is survived by her three children, Ian (Cheryl), Alan, Michael (Vanessa); four grandchildren, Malcolm (Mandy), Julian, Derek (Crystal), Mandy (Josephine); and two great grandchildren, Arthur and Dylan.
Growing up in Barry, Molly attended primary school and later Barry County Grammar School where she played lacrosse and received an “outstanding athlete” award. Sadly she lost her father to tuberculosis when she was 13. Her wartime experience included damage to her grandparents’ house next door by a misdirected German bomb. She developed a passion for tennis, a fondness that would last her whole life. One of her appearances at the Barry Athletic Club led to meeting her future husband. In the immediate post-war years she received her teaching credentials from the Teachers’ Training College in Bristol and her first teaching assignment at St. Athan Primary School teaching children many of whom belonging to families stationed at the R.A.F. base.
From 1954 to 1967 Molly resided in Llanharry where she devoted her time to family life, raising her three sons and admirably fulfilling her role as the wife of the village doctor. She did find the time to occasionally fill in as a substitute teacher at Llanharry Primary School.
In May of 1967 the Richmond family set sail for Canada accompanied by mother-in-law and family dog.
After driving across the country, a new life began in Swift Current. Molly adapted to her new situation with ease forging many friendships which would last a lifetime. Among her activities in those early years were volleyball, learning to ice skate and horseback riding. She thoroughly enjoyed her mornings with the “coffee girls” both as a host and guest. She held the voluntary position of Treasurer for the Swift Current Union Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary for 25 years. During these years Molly made several trips back to the U.K. maintaining lifelong friendships with many dear friends and family.
Whereas Molly was predominantly a loving mother and homemaker, after her children had grown she joined the staff of Campbell Floral and subsequently managed for many years their second shop, the Sunshine Corner in the Wheatland Mall.
Later in life her many interests included playing bridge, knitting, reading, solving crossword puzzles, watching tennis and attending “Stars for Saskatchewan” concerts and many other local functions. She was also a longstanding member of the Swift Current United Church. She also enjoyed taking her many visitors from the U.K. on sight- seeing tours both in Canada and the U.S.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Molly’s caregivers at Holy Cross Manor, Memory Care 1 for their kindness and compassion during her stay with them for the past 6 ½ years. Cremation entrusted to Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services. A Celebration of Molly’s Life will be held at a later date. To view and share photos, condolences, and memories of Molly, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
1925 – 2020
Molly Richmond of Calgary, formerly of Swift Current, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully with family at her side at Covenant Care – Holy Cross Manor on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the age of 95 years. Born in Barry, Glamorgan, South Wales, U.K., Molly was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Olive Sainsbury and her brother Jim. She is survived by her three children, Ian (Cheryl), Alan, Michael (Vanessa); four grandchildren, Malcolm (Mandy), Julian, Derek (Crystal), Mandy (Josephine); and two great grandchildren, Arthur and Dylan.
Growing up in Barry, Molly attended primary school and later Barry County Grammar School where she played lacrosse and received an “outstanding athlete” award. Sadly she lost her father to tuberculosis when she was 13. Her wartime experience included damage to her grandparents’ house next door by a misdirected German bomb. She developed a passion for tennis, a fondness that would last her whole life. One of her appearances at the Barry Athletic Club led to meeting her future husband. In the immediate post-war years she received her teaching credentials from the Teachers’ Training College in Bristol and her first teaching assignment at St. Athan Primary School teaching children many of whom belonging to families stationed at the R.A.F. base.
From 1954 to 1967 Molly resided in Llanharry where she devoted her time to family life, raising her three sons and admirably fulfilling her role as the wife of the village doctor. She did find the time to occasionally fill in as a substitute teacher at Llanharry Primary School.
In May of 1967 the Richmond family set sail for Canada accompanied by mother-in-law and family dog.
After driving across the country, a new life began in Swift Current. Molly adapted to her new situation with ease forging many friendships which would last a lifetime. Among her activities in those early years were volleyball, learning to ice skate and horseback riding. She thoroughly enjoyed her mornings with the “coffee girls” both as a host and guest. She held the voluntary position of Treasurer for the Swift Current Union Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary for 25 years. During these years Molly made several trips back to the U.K. maintaining lifelong friendships with many dear friends and family.
Whereas Molly was predominantly a loving mother and homemaker, after her children had grown she joined the staff of Campbell Floral and subsequently managed for many years their second shop, the Sunshine Corner in the Wheatland Mall.
Later in life her many interests included playing bridge, knitting, reading, solving crossword puzzles, watching tennis and attending “Stars for Saskatchewan” concerts and many other local functions. She was also a longstanding member of the Swift Current United Church. She also enjoyed taking her many visitors from the U.K. on sight- seeing tours both in Canada and the U.S.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Molly’s caregivers at Holy Cross Manor, Memory Care 1 for their kindness and compassion during her stay with them for the past 6 ½ years. Cremation entrusted to Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services. A Celebration of Molly’s Life will be held at a later date. To view and share photos, condolences, and memories of Molly, please visit www.choicememorial.com.