Helen B. “Granny” Rickards

Helen B. “Granny” Rickards, age 88, a lifetime resident of Milmont Park who was known as a strong, loving family matriarch, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 14, 2017.

Helen was born and raised in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph Breitenbach and Frances Breitenbach (Schwartz). In addition to her parents, her loving husband of 67 years, George S. Rickards, Sr., son George S. Rickards, Jr., grandson Joey T. Rickards, and her four siblings predeceased her.

Helen loved and dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted wife who cherished her husband. She met George through a mutual friend and was most attracted to his kindness. She took pride in being an involved mother to her five children as she volunteered in various activities throughout their childhood. She took pleasure in supporting her grandchildren in their individual interests and dreams. Having the opportunity to have a relationship with all of her great-grandchildren was important to her. Her favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve when she would have all four generations of her family together. She graciously cared for numerous family members in their greatest times of need, and always opened her home and heart to people she loved. Her primary hobby was needle pointing as she enjoyed making needle work for her family.

Helen is survived by sons, Thomas P. Rickards, III of Oxford and Jeffrey Rickards (Anne) of Essington; and daughters Denise Cooney of Folsom and Frances McAvoy (Jack) of Boothwyn. She was the loving grandmother of Joel Rickards (Tara), Tracie Beltran (Jorge), Amanda Brownhill (Steve), Melissa Rickards, Thomas P. Rickards IV (Janet), Robert Cooney, Melinda Blailock (Matthew), George Cooney (Amanda), Katie Rickards, Brittany Rickards, and Jeffrey Rickards. She adored her 15 great-grandchildren. One nephew, William Breitenbach (Carol), also survives her.

A visitation will take place on Monday, March 27th, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Griffith Funeral Chapel at 520 Chester Pike, Norwood, Pa. 19074, with a Prayer Service to follow at 7 P.M. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Helen’s name may be made to Taylor Hospice, P.O. Box 147, Ridley Park, Pa. 19078www.taylorhospice.org

Condolences may be sent to griffithfuneralchapel@ verizon.net Arrangements are by the Griffith Funeral Chapel in Norwood, Pa. www.griffithfuneralchapel.com