Lou Richards passed away peacefully on January 23rd, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. Ludevina (Lou) Richards was born in New Bedford Massachusetts to Portuguese immigrant parents Joaquim da Costa and Maria Soares da Costa on January 18, 1935.  The family moved to California when she was two.  She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Manny Duarte and Roy Costa, sister Jeorgina Marie Lord, and devoted husband Burton Franklin Richards. She is survived by her children Brenda (Neal) Kernes and their children Jeremiah (Theresa), Grant (Richard), and Seth (Thomas), Jim (Anna) Richards and their daughter Angela, and Mary Richards and her children Sarah, Daniel (Shioriko), Nathan, and Rebekah. She is also survived by her brother John (Jane) Teixeira. She loved immensely her family, church family, found and adopted families. So many knew her as Auntie Lou.   

She was a woman of deep faith who enjoyed volunteering at her church. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for more than 70 years. She volunteered and participated in many church activities. She walked beside many seeking to know God better and sponsored some who were seeking to be baptized in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) program, she was part of Cursillo-a movement for spiritual renewal, she also was a part of Helping Hands, Alter Society, St. Vincent De Paul, Renew, and prayer groups. One year she and her husband Burt were in charge of the church festival. It is not from her works that Lou is welcomed into heaven, it was her faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9  For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you but from the gift of God. It does not come from works, so that no one can boast.

Lou loved to socialize with family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking and baking hence her very large collection of cook books and recipes. The best example was her Thanksgiving feast; single handedly cooked followed by pumpkin, apple, lemon meringue, and chocolate pies - all baked by her. Special to many was her beautifully decorated Easter lamb cake. 

She loved to crochet and sew. Many family and friends have baby blankets she made for them.

Lou spent most of her younger years raising her three children. She loved to fish and camp with family. Her work history included managing a concession stand at the Oakland Coliseum, working at Weight Watchers and working at a small delicatessen in Castro Village.

Lou was always a woman of service so she always greeted everyone with “How are you doing? and What can I get for you?” When talking about travel she would say, “I have never had a passport”. In 2007 she visited her birthplace and the church where she was baptized. For years now she would frequently say “I’m too old to die young”.  

Lou has touched so many lives and she will be greatly missed. There will be a Celebration of Life and Rosary at Grissom’s Chapel and Mortuary 267 E. Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA. Thursday, February 12, 2026  4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Rosary will be at 5 pm.

Lou’s Funeral will be held Friday, February 13, 2026 Mass 11:00 am with Luncheon to follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3433 Somerset Avenue, Castro Valley, CA.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (Helping Hands or Saint Vincent De Paul), the Alzheimer’s association or any organization of your choice.