Marta Maria Richardson

In Loving Memory of Marta Maria Richardson

July 2, 1946 – April 9, 2025

Marta (Martica) Maria Richardson, beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother (Abuela), Great-Grandmother, teacher (Senora Richardson), and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was 78 years old.

Marta was born on July 2, 1946, in Camagüey, Cuba. Her early life was marked by resilience and courage. In 1963, at just 17, she bravely escaped from Cuba with her family in search of freedom and opportunity, ultimately settling in New Jersey. There, she not only adapted to a new country and language, but thrived—learning English, attending High School, and earned the title of prom queen.

She gave birth to her daughter, Jeainie in 1972, and son, Stephen in 1974, who would both become the center of her world. In 1978, Marta moved to Washington State. Marta began attending St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, where a simple cup of coffee after Mass, in 1986, led her to meet the love of her life, John Richardson. They were married on June 23, 1990, and shared a partnership filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect.

Marta and John joined St Nicholas Catholic Church in 1993. Marta sang beautifully at 5:30PM Mass with the adult choir. One year later, she founded a new children’s choir called “The Singing Angels”. She was the Director of this group for 5 years.

Marta stayed well connected with her immediate family through every other Sunday Dinner. She stayed connected with her school family, and church family through her weekly Wednesday small Church family for coffee and treats, and her retired teachers “Breakfast Club” family that met every Thursday.

In her free time, she enjoyed being with extended family and watching her favorite crime shows with her Husband in the evenings. Marta enthusiastically, and sometimes aggressively, rooted for the Seahawks with unwavering loyalty. The once-a-month trip to the Casino with her ‘Casino Possy’ was something she always looked forward to (she usually won). A non-negotiable for Marta was enjoying Cuban Coffee on the deck, rain or shine… at least above 60 degrees.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Marta returned to school later in life, ultimately earning her master’s degree in teaching. She dedicated many years to education, inspiring countless students as a Spanish teacher at John Sedgewick Junior High School, where she taught with passion and heart until her retirement in 2016. Not only did she teach Spanish as a language, but she taught her students culture and heart. Countless students have come back to Marta over the years to thank her for a good deed, a lesson, a hug or for shining her bright light when they needed it most.

Marta’s legacy lives on through her loving family: Husband of 35 years, John Richardson; 3 siblings; Jose, Marisa, and Mari. Her daughter, Jeainie Lipp and Son, Stephen Lipp. Granddaughters: Ashlie Gehler-Wolcott and Aubrianna Lipp as well as her grand son-in-law Timmy. Her great-grandchildren, Sophie, Rylie, and Serenity.

She will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and the way she lit up a room with her stories and laughter.

Marta’s journey from Cuba to the classroom was one of strength, grace, and endless love. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and devotion to family and education.

Celebration of her life will be held at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church on Friday May 2nd 11am-12pm (3510 Rosedale St, Gig Harbor, WA 98335). There will be a reception at The Gig Harbor Yacht Club immediately following the service. 12pm – 2pm. (8209 Stinson Ave, Gig Harbor, WA 98332).

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.