Obituaries

Ann Marie “Anna” (Abdalla) Richards, age 66, a lifelong Scranton resident, passed away Thursday morning after a courageous 25 year battle with multiple illnesses. She is survived by her loving husband, Jack Richards. Wed on May 5, 1985, they celebrated 35 years of marriage.
Born on January 23, 1955 and raised in West Scranton, Anna was the daughter of the late James, Sr. and Waddad (Hazzouri) Abdalla. She was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1972. While serving as the V.P. of Sales for Markdata Inc., she met Jack and soon after the husband-wife team began their own business – JAM Marketing in Pittston.
Anna’s best years were spent at Hot Dog Johnny’s alongside her closest friend, Pat Fotopoulos. Anna was especially grateful for their long friendship. Her cherished friend and confidant, Pat supported Anna through every challenge she faced. Anna’s entire family is eternally grateful for Pat’s love and support these many years.
Anna loved to have fun. She enjoyed her frequent trips to the casino as well as her annual trip to Florida with her closest friends.
Above everything else, Anna was known for her generosity. The stories of her charitable efforts are infinite. Her selflessness and love for fun will never be forgotten.
She loved all things Christmas, was a former Scranton Times’ Northeast Woman, and was a lifelong member of Saint Ann Maronite Church in West Scranton.
Anna’s love for her children was evident to everyone she met. Her fondest memories came from raising her children at their home in Green Ridge. Those were the memories that carried her through.
To know her was to love her. She was a true hero to all those who knew and loved her and she made a lasting impression on everyone.
She is also survived by her loving family, four children, John Richards and wife Stacy of Fort Myers, Florida, Elizabeth Torquati of Dunmore, Ashley Richards Scanlon and husband Kyle of Dunmore and Michael Richards of Scranton; four grandchildren, Katie and Jake Richards and Jack and Patrick Torquati; seven siblings, Paul Abdalla and wife Barbara of FL, Joseph Abdalla and wife Helen of NJ, Alex Abdalla and wife Vicky of NJ, Maurice Abdalla and wife Louise of Scranton, Phillip Abdalla and wife Joyce of NJ, Nancy Mazzei and husband Emile of Roaring Brook Twp. and Suzanne Abdalla of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews whom Anna absolutely adored.
Brothers, James, Jr. and Ablain Abdalla, preceded her in death.
Her family wishes to thank the staffs of both DaVita Dialysis at Allied Services and St. Mary’s Villa, as well as longtime friend Dr. Cynthia Starr. Special thanks to all who took such amazing care of Anna throughout her illness, especially her sister, Suzanne, and beloved brother, Maurice. Their dedication, endless laughs, and friendship will never be forgotten.
Private funeral services will be from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a Funeral Mass at Saint Ann Maronite Church to be celebrated by Rev. Antoun Youssef, Pastor. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, West Scranton.
Family and friends may publicly pay their respects on Wednesday, February 10th, between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anna’s name to the ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.