Annette Richardson

Annette Marie Richardson (9/16/1950 – 11/17/2021)

Annette “Nettie” was born at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 16, 1950. She was the first-born child of Jeannette B. (Schulte) and Robert E. Richardson. Eventually, Nettie was joined by her brother, Robert Daniel “Rob” (1954-2017); and sisters Gwen Theresa (1958 -2019) and Lisa Ann (1960).

Nettie attended St. Casimir’s Catholic School through the 8th grade. She then transferred to public schools—Cleveland Junior High for 9th grade and graduated from Johnson High School on the eastside of St. Paul in June of 1968.

Nettie’s first job was at Farwell, Osman, and Kirk in St. Paul, where she worked for approximately one year before starting her career with the State of Minnesota at the Department of Human Services (formerly Public Welfare) in 1971 where she remained for the rest of her 44-year career with the State of Minnesota. While at the Department of Human Services, Nettie pursued and earned her Bachelors of Art degree at St. Catherine University, a Catholic liberal arts university in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Nettie had a very snappy wit and always had a come-back. She loved family, music, books, travel, teddy bears, and the color purple. Nettie was a “collector” of many of her favorite things. Nettie maintained a written correspondence with her pen pal, Annette (Netzie) Davies, in North Wales, Great Britain, for over 50 years. She enjoyed exploring other cultures and was very interested in Native American culture and traditions. Nettie’s travels included trips to England, Switzerland, France, California, the New England states, Washington D.C., and her favorite location of all, Hawaii, twice with friends.

Although Nettie never married, or had children of her own, she enjoyed and spoke often of her nieces (Renee, Amy, Kelly, and Erin) and nephews (Justin and Travis). Eventually great-nieces (Arianna, Gabriella, Sophia, and Arya) were welcomed to her extended family.

Along with many other health struggles, later in life Nettie acquired an autoimmune disorder (Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid) that eventually took her eye sight and forced her retirement from the State of Minnesota at the age of 62. Nettie lived independently as a blind person for several years before, due to the early onset of dementia, complicated by her blindness, she required the need for additional care and moved to assisted living. Nettie spent her last several years at Ecumen Lakeview Commons in Maplewood, Minnesota, where she received care, compassion, and selfless companionship from staff and providers.

While her cousin Margee (and friends) were moving Nettie from her apartment of 30 + years to her new home at Ecumen, a notecard in Nettie’s handwriting was found in her belongings with the following quote. It speaks for itself…

“Everybody dies and if there was something wrong with it, nobody would do it. When the time comes, it will be right for you…and you will be glad.”

Sincere gratitude is extended to staff of Ecumen Lakeview Commons in Maplewood, MN for the care and companionship she received during her residency the last 3+ years and to Ecumen Hospice Services.

Memorial Mass of Christian Interment at 11:00 AM at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th St. N, Oakdale, MN, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow immediately after Mass in the Guardian Angels Cemetery. Memorials preferred to donor’s choice in Nettie’s name.