Barbara Jeanne Richards
27 July 1927 – 13 June 2025
Barbara Jeanne Richards
27 July 1927 – 13 June 2025
Barbara Richards passed away early on Friday 13 June 2025. She was 97. Born Barbara Jeanne Pryke on July 27, 1927, she grew up in Lower Hutt and lived on High Street with her parents Annie (nee Hignett) and Frank Pryke, and her five sisters, Alice, Ngaere, Marjorie, Joan and Peggy.
Barbara married Ray Richards after WWII and they lived in Crofton Downs, Wellington, where they raised three daughters, Bronwyn, Meredith and Nicola.
Ray and Barbara moved to Auckland after Meredith died in1975. Ray had been Managing Director at Reed Publishing in Wellington, and in Auckland he and Barbara established Richards Literary Agency, working closely with authors to get their books published in New Zealand and internationally. Both Barbara and Nicki provided skilled input to support the growth of RLA, after which Barbara retired to focus on developing her painting skills. Her teacher and her painting friends provided Barbara with a remarkable learning environment, culminating with a collection of work that includes an award-winning portrait of Ray (selected for a National Portrait Gallery annual competition). Ray died in 2013. Barbara lived another 12 years and continued to nurture friendships into her great old age.
Barbara was a much-loved grandmother to Aimee Smith Kimmel (Seattle), Aaron Smith (Chicago), Andrew Wallace (Wellington) and Alistair Wallace (Rio de Janeiro). Barbara’s long life has given her the opportunity to know and admire the personalities and interests of her Two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Smith (16), Spencer Kimmel (12) and Lauren Kimmel (8). Her close and loving family includes Aimee’s husband James Kimmel, Bron’s husband Jay Jacobsen, Nicki’s partner Dave Dawson, and Brooklyn’s mother Emily Hermes.
Barbara and her husband Ray lived an interesting life with a wide circle of friends, many evolving from their passion for book publishing, and their shared experiences with other young couples who were building new homes and raising families in the decade after WWII. In addition to books and art, Barbara was an accomplished pianist and an inventive cook. She loved flowers and poetry, music and books, textiles and antiques, furniture and found treasures. She and Ray took great joy in bringing people into their home. Above all, she loved people and thrived in the glow of those friendships.
Notice by Dil's Funeral Services
Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services
Tributes
As a young girl, I remember her taking me shopping. She would ask what I liked, listen intently, and then surprise me later with the very thing I had admired. It was her quiet, generous way of showing she cared. Every Christmas, Aunty Barbara´s exquisitely written cards would arrive, adorned with beautiful photographs of family and highlights from the year. In later years, they also featured her artwork, a testament to the creative talent she discovered later in life. Over the years, she kept us well-stocked with books to read to our children, gently encouraging those peaceful bedtime moments and passing on her love of reading. Her Chitty Chitty Bang Bang painting hung proudly on the wall of our children´s bedroom. With love, you will be missed.
Barbara was an important part of my childhood. I played with her daughter, Meredith, from the age of 7. We named our daughter after her and were very touched when Ray and Barbara embraced her into their lives. They had her to stay with them when she was very young and sent her wonderful books for her birthdays. I remember her always being immaculate even when she was gardening! She shared her green fingers with my family by giving us flowers for sand saucers and the like for school flower shows when our garden was still under construction. Her artistic talent was extensive and probably first illustrated in the trays she made decorated with beautiful flowers, one of which my mother was lucky enough to be given. Barbara and my mother spent a holiday travelling around England which was a highlight of my mother’s life. She was a beautiful and wonderful lady and will be sadly missed by many. Stella bridge
A wonderful Aunt to Lorraine and myself. Have some fond memories of visiting her and Ray holidaying at Raumati and Hautepe. My family will always cherish the portrait she painted of me for my 80th birthday when she was ninety. A very talented lady, who should have taken up that art when she was much younger. Rest in peace.
Dear Grandma, I have so many wonderful memories of cooking together, laughing at stories, sitting at Omaha beach in the sun, walking to Campbell’s Bay elementary to play and simply being together when we visited. You were always so thoughtful and welcoming and we will miss you so much, Love, Aimee, James, Spencer and Lauren Kimmel
Farewell my dearest friend Barbara, thank you for all your love and care for 45 years, you were the most adorable and cherished person to me, now may you rest in peace, be with your Ray again, Tom B.
I, (Susan), have only known Ray, Barbara, Nicki, Alistair and Andrew for a little over 40 years, but Roger has known Ray, Barbara and the wonderful girls Mary, Bron and Nicki since the age of 8. They were a very much loved and significant part of his life and he treasures them as his family. They gave him a much needed feeling of family love and nourishment providing welcoming arms when it was needed most. He did and will forever hold them in his heart as dearly beloved treasures. We were so lucky to have known them enjoying treasured memories of time together. To a much loved beautiful soul Babara, your spirit lives in our hearts. From Susan and on behalf of Roger.
A most wonderful Aunt, so caring and thoughtful. Forever remembered with love.
Notice by Dil's Funeral Services
Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services
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