Lisa Cripps Richer, 49 of Manchester, passed away peacefully on January 16th after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. Lisa spent her last days surrounded by her loving husband Paul Richer, her sisters and many family and friends. To those who knew her, Lisa was a remarkable woman. She had great internal and external beauty, outstanding character, grace and dignity and a charitable giving nature. She was nice to everyone and she lit up a room when she entered it.
Lisa was born in Manchester, NH on February 22, 1963. She was the daughter of Frederick Cripps and Connie Quinn Cripps. Lisa graduated from Central High school in 1981. She graduated from Plymouth State College in 1986 where she was in the Delta Zeta National Sorority – Kappa Epsilon Chapter; a beloved sorority sister.
Lisa worked at Bed, Bath and Beyond since 2004 as the District Human Resource Manager responsible for 19 stores; she distinguished herself with her positive "can do" attitude and exceptional work ethic. She was an outstanding employee; a committed dedicated manager. She loved her job.
Lisa was very active in the Miss NH Scholarship program for over 25 years. She competed as Miss Plymouth State College in 1986 in the Miss NH Scholarship pageant. Three years later, in 1989, Lisa first joined the program as a Contestant Assistant. She continued to provide invaluable assistance to contestants through 1995, when she became Associate Field Director. In 2001, she became the Senior Field Director. In 2002 until her death, Lisa served on the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program's Board of Directors and became an officer of the non-profit group when elected as Secretary in 2005. Lisa’s most recent position for the organization was as Chair of the Judges' Committee. She was a superb role model to and helped, countless young women.
Lisa is survived by her husband Paul Richer of Manchester, and two step sons Tyler and Thomas Richer of Manchester. Sisters: Cheryl Juneau of Hooksett, Kimberly St. Laurent, Tiffany Cripps of Manchester and brother in-law Michael St. Laurent of Manchester. Nieces: Bethany Juneau, Kali St. Laurent, Felicia and Briana Shuman. Nephews: William Juneau and Chase St. Laurent. She loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. A beloved mother-in-law Annette Richer, brother-in laws David Richer, Normand Brassard; sister-in-laws Claire Richer, Lise Dowling and Louise Brassard. Lisa was also loved by extended family members and close friends. She will be missed greatly by many broken and weeping hearts for years to come.
The funeral was held on Monday, January 21, 2013 at Grace Episcopal Church, 106 Lowell Street in Manchester N.H.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Miss New Hampshire Endowment Fund, 20 East Broadway, 2nd Floor, Derry, NH 03038. Your donations to this wonderful charity to which Lisa gave so many hours would have made her very happy.