Deborah Richards' Obituary
Deborah Blanchette Richards was born on April 4, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. She was the first born child to Atlas and Euraadelle Blanchette. She attended George WAhington High School and later took college courses at California State Dominguez Hills. After college, she began working for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Health Care Assistant. Deborah was extremely passionate about her career and made a profound impact on the lives of her students. Although she enjoyed working with students from all grade levels, she was especially gifted working with special needs children. Deborah worked for the district over 25 years before retiring.
One of Deborah's greates joys was the birth of her two children; Carla Mosby and Ashley Davis. She was a devoted mother and played an active role in their lives. Deborah's children were truly the "center of her life". her love of children also inspired her to become a foster parent. Over the years she opened her heart and her home to 10 foster children.
Deborah was loved and adored by many and was affectionately known as "Nanny Mamma" by friends and neighbors. Deborah never encountered a stranger and made fast friends with nearly everyone she met. One of her favorite past-times was to prepare soulful meals for friends and family. Deborah was an excellent cook, but her signature dish was her savory gumbo. She would travel near and far to gather all of the ingredients to make her gumbo taste "just right".
Deborah attended The City of Refuge Church where she continually strengthened her relationship with God. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time outdoors, tinkering in her garden. She organized annual bus trips to Laughlin, Nevada with the Social elite Club. Deborah was also an active member of Good Job Los Angels, where she worked as a community organizer.
Deborah departed this life on April 4, 2013. She was a loving mother, granddaughter, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor.
Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Euradelle Blanchette and father, Atlas Blanchette. She is survived by her grandmother, Josephine H. Brown; her two children, Carla Mosby and Ashley Davis-Pope; her two sisters, Starlet S. Blanchette and Sabrina (Donald Ray) Sibley; two brothers, Jarone (Mary) Blanchette and Michael (Deborah) Blanchette; a brother in love, Shun (Nikki) Bailey; Deborah also leaves behind a dear friend, Willie Gossett and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. She holds a special place in many hearts and will always be remembered for her generosity, fiery spirit, and her unyielding strength.
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