Mary Frances Rich

8/15/1929-7/7/2017

Our beautiful mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend Mary Frances Rich, died on Friday, July 7th at the age of 87 years.

Mary was born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Mary wed Richard (Dick) Rich and moved to Niagara Falls, NY where they welcomed their first two children, Larry and Ron into the world. After a few years the adventurous couple took their boys and headed west to California. They eventually settled in Anaheim where the family continued to grow. Three more kids were born – Rick, Diane, and Kelly. Mary and Dick would eventually go their separate ways. Dick headed back east and in 1980 Mary found a fresh and friendly start in her beloved Palm Desert.

Mary loved being a mom and caring for others. Her days were filled with the joy she found in tending to her children and putting other’s needs before her own. The summer days in Anaheim were spent swimming in the pool and playing card games. Mary loved playing games with her kids, and later with her grandkids. Everyone was always welcome in her home, the more the merrier. She was very involved with all of her kid’s activities, both in school and extracurricular; Little League, bowling, baton, gymnastics, drill team and cheerleading.

Mary also enjoyed sports. It began in Latrobe where she graduated from high school with friend and lifelong acquaintance, golf Legend Arnold Palmer. Around the house growing up, whether on TV or radio, you could always hear the L.A. Dodger game in the back ground. Although she wasn’t happy when Vin Scully retired, she had become a bigger fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

After Mary moved to the desert, she spent her free time swing dancing and traveling. She was an incredible dancer and won lots of competitions. She was also an avid traveler and never said no to a trip to a new place. Her favorites were Hawaii and Hong Kong. Our family enjoyed many summer weekend-get-togethers at her Palm Desert home. Each day of sunshine was full of fun, food, and of course a glass or two of White Zinfandel.

Mary would be the first to tell you that she lived a long and wonderful life, and would not want anyone to shed too many tears at her passing. Instead, remember her fondly for her happy disposition, beautiful smile, and positive outlook on life. We were all blessed to have had Mary Rich in our lives and we thank God for the times we shared.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her five children, Larry (Cheryl), Ron (Glenda, deceased), Rick (Anna), Diane Henry (Mike) and Kelly Van Fossen (Tommie). Mary will also be greatly missed by her seven grandchildren, Scott, Kelly, Patrick, Andreas, Joseph, Jacqueline and Julianna. Mary was also known as GiGi to Kayla, Kendall Mary, Wyatt, Joline, Natalea and Kallista. Mary was predeceased by her brother Jackie Kelly and sister Thelma Coughlin.

Mary requested that there be no public service. The family will have a private “Celebration of Life”, but certainly appreciates your prayers, warm thoughts, and well wishes.