Pauline T. Rickards, 89, of Dagsboro, Del., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, Md., surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ocean View, Del., daughter of the late Clarence Townsend and Roxie (Layton) Townsend.
Rickards was owner of the J&P Food Market at Vines Creek, Dagsboro, from 1946 to 1978. She was a lifetime member of St. George’s United Methodist Church in Clarksville, the Methodist Women and the Dagsboro Century Club.
Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed her family and home, attending church, sewing, cooking and gardening. Rickards loved working in her yard, growing flowers and vegetables. She was an outstanding cook.
In addition to her parents, Rickards was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Rickards; her sister, Delthia Hickman; brothers Alden and Raymond Townsend; sister-in-law, Allene Murray; brother-in-law, Woodrow Murray; and nephew, Ray Townsend Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda R. Lynch, and her husband, A.F. Lynch III, of Frankford, Del.; granddaughter, Ashley Cummings and her husband, Patrick, of Dagsboro; brother-in-law, Lorah Hickman of Frankford; niece, Teresa Doyle; a nephew, Sherman Townsend and his wife, Elaine; extended family; nieces, Beth Long and her husband, Dave, and Carole Cullen and her husband, John Paul; and nephew, Steve W. Murray.
Services were held April 10, 2016, at Melson Funeral Services, Frankford, Del., officiated by the Rev. Mike Hurley. Burial was in St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions to Coastal Hospice; P.O. Box 1733; Salisbury, MD 21802, or to St. George’s United Methodist Church; 34281 Omar Rd.; Frankford, DE 19945. Condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com.