Susan E. Richard

Susan Ervin Richard, born August 13, 1944, in Tampa, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the age of 80. Surrounded by her loving family, she departed this world to join her heavenly Father.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, A.A. “Gus” Richard, Jr.; her parents, Ellen and Edgar Ervin; and her brother, Edgar “Buster” Ervin, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Mae Ellen “Cissy” Ervin Mathews (John), and her children: A.A. “Chard” Richard, III (Mendy); Nancy Richard Smith; Suzy Richard Sanchez (Joey); and Drs. Ryan Richard (Emily). Susan’s legacy of joy and Christian example lives on through her ten cherished grandchildren: Mallory Richard; Alaina Richard Brooker (Daniel); Dr. Madeleine “Skeeter” Richard; Cade Sanchez; Andrew Smith; Chad Sanchez; Addie Richard; Gus Richard; Ryan Richard, Jr.; and Leighton Richard.  

With special nicknames for everyone, she embodied the boundless love and warmth that only a grandmother can provide. Her family was her world, and she was the ultimate protector—ready to face a grizzly bear with nothing but a butter knife, if it meant safeguarding her loved ones. Her countless and devoted friends would describe Susan as full of life and unconditional love, a mentor, and a shining example of how Christ calls us to live. A self-taught expert seamstress, she found joy in ceramics, crafts, and a deep love for water, boating and the beach. Susan had a rare gift for truly listening, seamlessly weaving the conversation with just the right touch of humor to keep it joyful and light. As the devoted mother to a parade of pets over the years, she became famous for her gourmet pet cuisine—boiling chickens, sautéing meats, and whipping up meals so delicious her furry friends lived for decades. She was a phenomenal cook, known for preparing meals large enough to feed an army. She shared her culinary creations generously, using food to comfort those in need and to spread joy to everyone around her.  

As a member of the first graduating class at Broadmoor High School in 1962, she was instrumental in writing the school Alma Mater and Fight Song, as well as selecting the school colors and mascot. All four children graduated as Broadmoor Buccaneers, following in her footsteps. Susan was the greatest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, always enthusiastically supporting their passions. From white-water rafting at age 77, to cheering on their sports and artistic pursuits well into her final weeks, she was a true participant and champion of their lives. From the age of 10, when her brother was stricken with polio at just 3 years old, Susan embraced the role of caregiver—a role she fulfilled with unwavering dedication for seven decades. Her selflessness and unshakeable positive attitude shone through in every circumstance.  

Devoted to all those who knew her, she will be missed daily, as she was a part of so many lives. Her spiritual journey was a beautiful example that led many to the Lord. She worshipped through music and immersed herself in the study of the Bible, often sharing its wisdom with her family through the lens of her own lived experiences. As the matriarch of her family, she was the steadfast foundation, offering unwavering support to those around her. Her passion and encouragement could mend a broken heart, lift a defeated competitor, and inspire those she loved to achieve more than they thought possible.  

She had a remarkable way of making each person feel like the most special and cherished individual in the world. She always said the world would knock you down, her job was to lift you up so you could land exactly where you were meant to be. While she is gone from our sight, her words and presence are engraved on our broken hearts. Our greatest hope is to honor her fierce and loving spirit by living the rest of our lives in a way that does her memory justice.  

Please join us in celebrating Susan’s remarkable life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. 

Together, let us honor Susan and the beautiful, well-lived life she shared with us all. 

The family would like to express special appreciation for Dr. Daniel LaVie and the staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, the LSU Pulmonary Critical Care Group, and all the doctors, nurses and staff at Baton Rouge General Hospital, Clarity House Hospice and her dear friend, Marcia Amoroso.

Donations in memory of Susan Richard can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to other cancer charities of your choosing. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com