Carol Lee Richardson, 66, of Westminster, MD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Clifford Richardson, her devoted and loving husband of 42 years. Carol was born on July 17, 1958 at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown to the late Donald and Patricia Zilch.

In addition to her husband, Carol is survived by her sister Lisa Trani (Tony), and her adoring children, Brooke Parks (Joshua) and Brady Richardson (Haley). She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Navy Parks and Steele Parks, as well as two nieces, Ali Trani and Lauren Cinderey.

Carol was a cherished teacher at Westminster High School for 35 years, impacting hundreds of students’ lives throughout her career. Her particular teaching interests included Issues in American Society and Government. After retiring from teaching, she continued her passion by becoming a Home School Reviewer for CCPS from 2016 to 2023.

Carol always gravitated toward volunteer work, dedicating years of service to her local churches. She especially enjoyed helping with a Blessings Wagon/Building, which was designed to provide the underserved community with toiletries and other necessities. For more than a decade, Carol served as a Hospice volunteer and Doula with BridgingLife - the Dove House. She often sat with individuals, sometimes those without companions, as they transitioned from this life to the next harmoniously.

Carol was an avid reader, often cycling through multiple library books each week. She enjoyed skiing out West with her husband and traveling to new and different places. Carol loved Ravens football, giving “happy day” gifts, and savoring a good cup of coffee with a smile on her face. She cherished spending time with her many friends, including Dessert club. Carol was a pivotal part of her community and a treasured friend and mentor to many.

Above all, Carol cherished her family and every moment spent with them. On top of being the best Mother, she was the best grandmother in the world, endearingly known as Gigi.

Carol’s family will welcome visitors for a visitation on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 254 E Main St, Westminster, MD 21157. A Celebration of Life in Carol’s honor will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 2-5 pm at Good Feelings Farm, 125 Kate Wagner Road, Westminster, MD 21157.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations/charities in Carol’s honor: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be The Match), or BridgingLife Hospice – the Dove House. Additionally, donating blood, donating platelets, or swabbing to potentially match and donate stem cells are other meaningful ways to honor Carol.