Tributes paid to lifelong Sudbury community fundraiser and church stalwart Beverly Richardson

A lifelong community fundraiser and church stalwart in Sudbury has been remembered as a much-loved wife and mother, following her death late last month.

Beverly Richardson died at Melford Court Nursing Home on March 27, less than four months short of her 78th birthday.

For more than 50 years, she played a key role with St John’s Methodist Church, including fundraising to build a new community hall that remains in use today.

She was also heavily involved in raising money for many local causes over the years, such as the new scout headquarters in Quay Lane, the town’s Silver Jubilee and Millennium celebrations, and the first street fair in North Street to mark the area’s pedestrianisation.

“She took her responsibilities very seriously and was always willing and available to help others,” said Paul Martland, a friend of the family and church member.

“Beverly always did a sterling job and got involved in most things, from helping out with the computer systems to arranging the flowers and putting up the weekly notices.

“She was also a wonderful mother and wife and will be sorely missed.”

Born in West Bergholt in 1942, Mrs Richardson attended school in Bury St Edmunds, before qualifying as a pathology laboratory technician at West Suffolk Hospital and later a cancer researcher at University College Hospital in London.

She moved to Sudbury in the 1960s with her husband, Philip, whom she met at school and married in January 1964, and set up a ladies fashion shop, Thomasina, in Gainsborough Street in the 1970s.

The couple became directors of Suffex Build in the 1980s and, over the next 20 years, oversaw numerous projects, including Christopher Court and Globe Yard in Sudbury, a holiday cottage for people with disabilities in East Harling and the refurbishment of the Christopher Centre.

She was a member of Sudbury’s Ladies Circle, eventually becoming area chairman, as well as the Tangent and 95 Club.

Her activities were brought to an abrupt stop in April 2012 when she was seriously injured in a traffic collision, but, through perseverance, regained her ability to walk and talk and, a year later, successfully walked the Good Friday Fun Run.

Her son-in law John Wiseman said: “Beverly was one of the most caring people I ever met, with a strong sense of service and duty. She immediately welcomed me into the family and gave me so much advice and love over the years.

“She was always a trusted confidante to me and to others and was always there with help and guidance whenever needed.

“I often spent time with her if Philip was unable and we spoke about everything you could imagine. She was the most brilliant company and I will miss her greatly.”

Mrs Richardson is survived by her husband, her children Sally and Tim, her grandchildren Luke, Amber, Becky and Faye, and great-grandchildren Arthur and Joshua.