Ann Arline (Kailher) Richard passed away at her home in West Bridgewater on July 20th, 2024, following a lengthy battle with cancer, three weeks after her husband Tom left this world in the same manner. In keeping with how she lived her life, in her final days Ann was surrounded by family and friends in the warm, welcoming environment of her home. Despite her illness, she insisted upon providing food and hospitality to visitors even in the final week of her life.
Ann was born on April 23rd ,1938, the second of five children of the late Everett Gaylord Kailher and Arline Ann (Fuller) Kailher. A graduate of Whitman High School, Ann met and married Thomas Richard upon his return from naval service. Ann was the model of a selfless, loving, devoted wife and mother. Ann and Tom would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this September.
Ann and Tom raised their family in Whitman before moving to Tamworth, New Hampshire, where in the 1980’s and 90’s they owned and operated the Edgehill Inn, a bed and breakfast. Being an innkeeper was a natural for Ann. In addition to her hospitable, welcoming nature, her cooking and baking skills were legendary. For decades, Ann and Tom’s home was a magnet for family and friends to enjoy Sunday dinners and holidays.
Most of Ann’s life was spent in Whitman, where she served her community in many ways, most notably through the St. Vincent De Paul Whitman Food Pantry of Holy Ghost Parish, as well as tireless efforts for other organizations and initiatives serving those in need. Ann’s selfless investment in the Whitman community was done quietly but was impossible to miss. The Massachusetts House of Representatives recognized Ann as Whitman’s Unsung Heroine of 2009. In addition to her own work, she was also a strong supporter of Tom’s sponsorship of dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous members over the past 47 years.
Her commitment to the needy in her community was matched only by her boundless, selfless devotion to her family. Family was the center of Ann’s life and her love for them was returned many times over by generations of family members.
Ann is survived by her adoring family members, daughters Maureen Ann Parsons, Jacqueline Frances Gorman (William), Kathleen Marie Welch (Christopher), Arleen Ann Hancock, and Joline Lynn Richard (Peter Cameron); grandchildren Michael Parsons, Ashley Parsons, Greg Parsons, McKayla Jenks, Colin Jenks, Evan Jenks, Ryan Welch, Laura Welch, Megan Welch Tibbetts, Justin Hancock, Kyle Hancock, as well as 15 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. She is additionally survived by her brother Robert Kailher and numerous loving nephews, nieces, in-laws, and other relatives. Former sons-in-law Robert Hancock and Scott Parsons were very dear to Ann and Tom. Predeceasing Ann were her parents, the late Everett Gaylord Kailher and Arline Ann (Fuller) Kailher, and her brothers Francis Kailher, William Kailher, and John (Jack)
Kailher.
Family and friends are invited to Ann’s visiting hours Thursday July 25, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. All are welcomed to a funeral service Friday July 26, at 9:45 AM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, then proceed to the Holy Ghost Church for a funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. A burial will follow at the St. James cemetery, Whitman.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Whitman Food Pantry of Holy Ghost Parish.