Iris Richardson, 86, passed away on May 22, 2023.  She was born on August 4, 1936, in Harlan, Michigan to the late Walter Marvin and Mary (Freel) Valencourt.  Though she was born in Michigan, grew up in Virginia with a brief stint in North Carolina, and later lived in Delaware – all of which produced an accent where she was often mistaken as a native New Englander, Iris lived most of her life in Green, Ohio.

Never uttering a sarcastic or intentionally mean comment, Iris will be universally remembered for her loving demeanor and genuine kindness to others. She was generous with her smile, her time, her talents, and her compassion for everyone. Iris made the world a gentler place with a sweet disposition that made every day brighter and more pleasant.

Although Iris enjoyed gardening (especially irises, for some strange reason), rambling to new locations on day trips, and shopping for “pretties” (collectibles, especially those with irises, as well as pewter and brass), her family was by far the most important thing to her. Iris has been reunited with her beloved Stretch, after his unexpected passing nearly 26 years ago. While he was tall and she was short (don’t forget that half inch for her height!), while she had champagne taste and he had beer money, while she stayed up late and dreaded mornings and he rose early and dozed while the evening was young, while he loved roses and she loved irises, the two of them were perfect together.

Iris embraced her role as a mother, and perhaps nothing brought her more joy than “her boys,” Scott (whose birth “forced” her to retire from DuPont) and Andrew (whose birth brought about Mom’s favorite saying, “I don’t have a favorite son”) until they had children of their own. Grandmom Iris proceeded to spoil her grandchildren with boundless love, support, encouragement, attention, and yes, a few gifts here and there. She took great pride in providing the nurturing her loved ones needed to flourish and navigate life.

The affection and graciousness she so regularly showed to others was reciprocated by her neighbors and many friends. She was blessed to have been surrounded by people from her immediate neighborhood, local community, Green Valley United Methodist Church, and DuPont, who cared for her and watched over her through the years. We are extremely grateful to each of them for the love they shared with her.

Besides her parents, Iris was preceded in death by her husband, E. Francis “Stretch” Richardson; brother, Marvin “Bud” Valencourt; sisters, Regena Hall, AlvinaValencourt, and Leona Valencourt.  She is survived by her sons, Scott (Cathy) and Andrew (Diane) Richardson; grandchildren, Olivia, Kristen, Caroline, Brandon (Holly), and Taylor (Curt); great-grandchildren, Lucas and Norah; sister, Ardella Chumney; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at East Liberty Cemetery, 740 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Iris’ name to Green Valley United Methodist Church, 620 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  To leave a special message for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

Memorial Contributions:

Green Valley United Methodist Church 
620 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road   
Akron, Ohio 44319