Carole C. Richardson
May 10, 1944 - June 24, 2026
Carole C. Richardson, 82, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on June 24, 2026.
Carole, born in Baltimore, Maryland, was the daughter of the late Harold and Doris Futch. A graduate of Eastern High School, she lived in Baltimore until meeting and marrying her beloved husband of 54 years, Harry Richardson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their union lasted until his death in 2021. Both avid beach goers in their youth, Carole and Harry were brought together by fate at the shore in Margate City, New Jersey, where they had their very own “meet cute” moment at the “Lucy the Elephant” landmark.
After marrying, Carole resided in Delaware, where she worked for a number of years at the University of Delaware bookstore.
Carole was a life-long bookworm who scoured the thrift stores for novels, bought them by the bagful, read them all, then passed them along to family and friends. “Whatcha reading?” was her favorite question.
Carole was a social butterfly who was much happier going out than sitting at home. She was blessed with good friends—some of whom she knew for decades. She liked nothing more than meeting friends for lunch, going to card club, or enjoying Ministry of Caring dinners. Holidays and get-togethers with extended family in Maryland were a highlight for her.
Carole will be remembered as an unapologetic “cat lady” who never met a feline she didn’t want to spoil and cuddle; an expert “crab picker” who could get every bit of meat out of a steamed crab; an enthusiastic game-player who was always ready for a round of Mexican Train; and a teenage dancing queen who taught her little cousins all the fancy steps in the Twist and Mashed Potato.
Carole is survived by her daughter, Cara Richardson and her partner, Matt Hammer, of Rising Sun, Maryland; her grandchildren, Hailie and Hayden; and many other family members and friends who will miss her cheerfulness, kindness, and caring ways.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Carole’s memory be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Liz Garwood
Rest in peace my sweet friend. See you on the other side. Love you . 🙏♥️
Sally Tobin Hadley
My sweet Cara l am so sorry for your loss I know how much your mom meant to you and your children. I still miss your sweet face, sending you love and hugs. Sally and Tom
Bonnie
I will miss our regular conversations about family now and over the decades, as well as books and our cats. When my sister and I were pre-teens, Carole was our hip older cousin, teaching us the current dance crazes, letting us try her makeup, and introducing us to “ shocking” romance magazines.
Chad
I am so sorry for your loss, she was always there for me in my past difficult moments
Lauren Kosloski
I am so glad I got to meet Carol. She lived in my old neighborhood Caravel Farms. She always talked to me out the door when I was walking my dogs. She liked dogs too! We enjoyed playing Mexican train when she came down or I went up to Newark to her house or Linda’s house. She looked so good at the end of March. I’m really shocked. Carol always had a smile on her face and she definitely enjoyed her sweets! I am so glad I got to know her.
Arlene Davia
Carol I will miss our calls since moving away. We never ran out of talking sessions and catching up on our mutual friends. RIP my friend.
Rebecca tomasevich
Sorry to hear about Carole’s passing we had some good times at U of D
Sharon M Allen
Through the years we celebrated life’s joys, cried through its sorrows, and always found a reason to laugh together. Those memories will always hold a special place in my heart.
It’s so hard to say goodbye, so instead I’ll say what we’ve said so many times before… “See ya later, Gator… After while, Crocodile.”
Carolyn DeMont
Carole was so kind and friendly. She was the first person I met when I moved next door over 20 years ago. She invited me on her neighborhood walks. Carole always asked about what was happening in my life. When my parents and sister came to live with me, she and Harry became their friends, too. I pray for God’s peace for Carole’s daughter, grandchildren and family as they mourn their loss.
Jennifer Irons
Rest in peace, Aunt Carole!! I am so sad that you are no longer with us but am very happy that your suffering has come to an end. I am sure you have reunited with Uncle Harry in Heaven!