Madelyne Marie Richards

Madelyne Marie Richards, 85, was granted her angel wings on January 16, 2018. She died unexpectedly of a heart issue at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Madelyne was born July 19, 1932 in Hazelton, PA to Nunzio & Theresa Cushinotto. She graduated from Hazelton High School where she met her husband, Robert, and married on October 20, 1951. She moved to St. Joseph, MI in 1961. She co-managed along with her husband, the Five Emprees, a local band from Benton Harbor, MI and would often be found selling tickets at the door of their outdoor dances in the 1960’s. She was a member of the Blossomtime Queen’s Committee for over 10 years and retired with over 40 years of service from Lakeland Medical Center in 2011 as a unit clerk. She was also a member of St. John & Bernard Catholic Parish. Madelyne had an incredible zest for life and always loved to put a smile on people’s faces with her humor and sassy sayings. She was an avid collector and believer of angels. Enjoyed shopping, cooking, gardening and had a passion for bling and gemstone jewelry which garnered her the title “Queen Mother”. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert of St. Joseph; children, Roberta Morrison of South Bend, IN, Donald (Laurie) Richards of Kalamazoo and Jolene Richards of St. Joseph; loving grandmother to Joseph, Michael & Stephen Morrison; loving aunt of Ron, Rich and Ben Jr. She is also survived by her loving toy poodle Starlet. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Benjamin Cushinotto. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor with Father Ben Huynh officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, January 19, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Madelyne’s guestbook or leave a message of condolence for the family may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.