A Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of Joanne ‘Jo’ RICHARDSON will be offered St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kerang on FRIDAY (25th July, 2025) commencing at 11.00 am.
Location of Church can be found here
A Private Burial will be held.
We wish to encourage you to express your sympathies and condolences to the family via a post on this announcement which the family are able to access and read.
(All messages are pending the approval of staff to avoid inappropriate content).
Jo’s Funeral Mass will be live streamed on FRIDAY (25th July, 2025) commencing at 11.00am.
Please click on the Live Stream Tab on our main page where the service will be streamed live on FRIDAY.
Such a sad loss. To Marion and family, my thoughts are with you. Jo was such a smart and friendly person and will be deeply missed.
Yours sincerely, Andrew McLoughlan.
Our thoughts are with Jo’s family and friends. Miss Rich was one of Millie’s biggest supporters at St Joseph’s Primary School. Jo always checked in on her educational journey and once school finished, Jo always cared to asked on Millie’s next adventures. Jo was so happy to hear Millie found a great little job that she enjoyed. Jo always popped into The Little Shop to say hi, which turned into some great funny conversations, some shoe modelling and the occasional new shoe acquisition for her collection. Thanks Jo for being such a great friend, teacher and community member. You have filled our hearts, shared great memories and we will missed you dearly.
Jo was a special kind of person that made me feel like there was never a time I wasn’t a part of the Richardson family. That I was there because that’s simply where I was meant to be and no where else would make sense- to be given such a gift from extended family of a partner is something that I was so honored to receive and it helped me quickly find home in the Richardson clan and to be lucky enough to know the deep bond, celebration, and safety that comes with being a part of this remarkable family.
Her love and connection to family was so palpable. Her love for Ben, for me, for our little Billie was always felt; in sharing the joy of exciting events in our family life, to the warmth we felt when we had the privilege of being in the same space at the same time. I will always feel honoured to have found an aunty and a friend in Jo, and to have seen the adoration she had for Ben and the desire to be ever present in his life.
Jo’s dark sense of humour, her hilariously unfiltered commentary, and the way she said aloud how much she loved moments, people, experiences made moments bigger, brighter, and more memorable.
Those who know Jo now, and children who haven’t had the privilege of meeting Jo, will still know her through the love so visible for her in her family, friends, community.
Jo will be missed from near and far.
Our family loved Jo and shared so very special times together. I’m sure a fitting celebration of her life with family & the whole community will occur today. A very sad time. Rest in peace Jo.
It was Jo who helped me find my brother who had been missing for 13 years. I will forever be grateful to you Jo.
I loved all the times we got together through teaching and study! Your sense of humour and your cheeky smile, will always be remembered.
Rest without pain now.
Much love and our deepest condolences to you, Lindy, your mum and sisters. Hang on to those wonderful memories and good times.
To the Richardson Family, our condolences on the passing of a our dear friend Jo, thanks Jo for the memories of a wonderful teacher to Hayden, Makayla & Lachlan at St Joe’s , but even a better friend to our family, gone way to soon. 😢
Love Shane & Raelene & family RIP Jo xxxxx
Deepest sympathy to Marion, Girls & your families on the loss of Jo.
Our thoughts are with you.
The Schwencke Family.
Marion, deepest sympathy you and all the family, thinking of you at this sad time.
Dearest Jo,
You have no idea the impact you had on me when I arrived at St Joey’s in 2012. You took me under your wing with that beautiful smile and distinct chuckle. May you know rest knowing the impact you have had on so many.
Sending our love to you all on the passing of lovely Jo. So many great memories have been shared over the years and I will always remember the vibrant and genuine person she always was.
Love always
Cara, Troy, Ava and Ryder van der Zande xx
Thinking of all of Jo’s family and close friends at this extremely sad time. Jo was a terrific work colleague and was always so positive. I will miss listening to her stories in the staff room and her little sayings. She was a wonderful teacher to our children and we will miss her dearly.
RIP Jo xx
Love MJ, Kristian, Tommy, Frankie, Mia & Alexander Bray
Jo/Miss Rich, from being a teacher in my last 2 years at St Joe’s, to a family friend, to teaching our son Ned last year. You’ll never truely know the impact you had on not only us but on all the lives you touched. Just last night Ned said “I’m going to miss Miss Rich’s stories, she was such a good story teller. But the last time I saw Miss Rich, she gave me the biggest hug” 🩷 Thank you for being such a gift to our children and community. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sending all our love to your beautiful family and to your St Joeys family ❤️
Rest Peacefully Miss Rich xx
Kellie, Crello, Ned, Coco, Jayden and Austin Crellin
What a wonderful woman and so much more than ‘just a teacher’. Our family has been blessed to have you teach our girls over many years at St. Joes – the kids hold a great respect for you with your amazing quick wit and humour, many a story to be told and perhaps not so appreciative of your ‘‘get up and get on with it attitude’.
You not only cared for their education Jo, but put so much effort into developing the kids into better people and teaching them to see the good in the world. We are forever thankful for your presence in our community. I hope there’s a ‘Fisherman’s Friend’ packet or two waiting for you up there x
All our love,
John, Lauren, Sophie, Arlie, Evie and Poppy Edwards.
Dear Richardson family, Jo was such a lovely and funny lady. Fond memories of her living across the road with “Cuddles” (dec). May she rest in peace and reunite with her dear friend. She will be terribly missed amongst the many sporting clubs and within St. Joseph’s school community.
Love Rob, Jo and Max Fisher xx
To our beloved Miss Rich, thank you so much for your love and guidance when you believed in me when I was a student under your care when others didn’t.
You were always caring, kind and treated me as your child. You gave me the strength to believe in myself. Thank you Miss Rich, sleeping with the angels.
Harley-James.
Our deepest condolences to Jo’s mum Marion and all of her family. Jo you were an inspiration, caring, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and devoted teacher to the many students that you taught at St Josephs Primary school in the 30 plus years you were there. You not only taught our boys (Luke, Brad and Dylan) during their primary school years, but you also ended up a workmate of Lukes during the last few years. Our family always considered you to be a good friend and mate to all of us. RIP Jo/ Miss Rich. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Nev, Jo Murray and famil.y
Sweet Jo. How lucky to have been blessed with knowing you. Sending so much love to Maz and the girls and all of Jo’s family. What a treasure she was. 🩷
My sincere condolences & love to Marion, all Jo’s sisters & extended family on the loss of your beautiful Jo. Fond memories growing up together. Time to rest peacefully Jo. xox
Sending condolences to Jo’s family and friends. Jo, you were always up for a laugh. Our entire community will always remember you fondly. Rest easy.
Dear Marion and family,
Deepest sympathy, our thoughts are with you and families at this very sad time.
To Marion and family, sending sympathy to you all at this very sad time.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Marita.
Deepest sympathy to all of those who loved Jo. Jo’s passion for her students being a part of the community will always be remembered. Teacher to my brother Dan and our children Brent, Rhys, Josh & Sophie . Thinking of you all.
Rob & Susi Martins.
Sincere sympathy to Marion, Ange, Sally, Kathy, Lindy, Sarah and families on the passing of our great mate Jo/Richo.
Mako has fond memories of their annual “hot date weekend” of crying together at the Redfin Classic while slicing hundreds of onions and peeling spuds. (We never did remember to bring swimming goggles to wear did we!)
A wonderful long time beautiful friend and work colleague to Mel and superb life mentor to our kids.
She will be missed yet her classic quotes/sayings will forever to be used in family conversations and to get us going!
Rest peacefully now Jo/Miss Rich x
Love Brett, Mel, Maddy, Demby & Cody.
Our sincere condolences are extended to the Richardson family on the passing of their daughter and sister, Jo Richardson. So many happy memories for me have been in and around the Richardson clan. Forever in our hearts.
All our love,
Andrew, Deb, Caitlin and Joshua Maud. xx
Condolences to Jo’ s family at such a sad time. Jo was such a great teacher with so much to offer to her young students. We will all miss her energetic enthusiasm and love shown to all who knew her. Thank you Jo for preparing many of our grandchildren for life ahead of them.
Rest in peace.
Tops and Dennis Greenwood.
We all loved Jo as a teacher and friend. Her ability to teach students, get along with anyone and everyone, her generosity and her cheeky fun-loving nature blended together to make a unique and special lady. We shared special times over the years. Fly high Jo.
Ken, Anne, Andrew, Sally, Marty and Will Jane.
Dear Marion and family, so sad hearing of Jo’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, RIP Jo.
Jeanette &. Kevin.
Very sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. I have fond memories of Jo on the farm.
Condolences to all the Richardsons.
Collie
Dear Marion and families,
Our hearts go out to each and every one of you at this terribly sad time. Jo was an exceptional person, so genuine and loving with a beautiful smile and even if you hadn’t seen her for a while she was always still the same. My brother Jim loved her so much and would have been devastated by this news. We are sending you much love and prayers to help you at this time
Our love & prayers are with dear Maz & family at this deeply sad time.
Miss Rich was a wonderful teacher who had such a huge positive impact on many students and especially our children Georgia & Lachie.
Wonderful memories treasured forever.
Rest peacefully Joey 💐
I am saddened to read of Jo’s passing and extend condolences to her family. I always enjoyed a chat with Jo when our paths crossed as teachers in the same district. She was a highly respected teacher with such a warm sincerity about her. RIP Jo. 🌷
Angie, Seeing the love and joy when you were with your beloved Jo was so beautiful. Our thoughts are with you and all your extended family as you grieve her loss. Thinking of you.
Sincere Condolences to Marion and families on the sad passing away of Jo. Thinking of you all from Greg and Cheryl Gin and families.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Marion and family. Praying the Lord blesses as you gather together. ..
Maz and family so sorry to hear of the passing of your dearly loved daughter and sister my heart goes out to you all Mandy Dannielle and Aaron and there family ❤️🌹
We have many blessings from our friendship with Angie and Andy, and Jo and the Richardson family is definitely one of them. Jo was such a part of our special times, catch ups and weekends away. Jo loved all our kids as her own and had that special ability to ensure every child felt heard and loved.
All our love to you all xx
Dear Marion and family, thinking of you all at this sad time on the passing of Jo. A special person who impacted many young lives during her teaching career. Praying for you dear Mazz.
Lynne and Les Crichton.
Deepest sympathy Marion and family on the sad passing of Jo. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rob and Denise Waterson.
So sad to hear of Jo’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Jo was so proud of her family and she enjoyed sharing their many pursuits.
I was lucky to have worked with Jo over many years at St Joseph’s and witnessed her love of teaching and enjoyment of children. She exhibited the Good Samaritan example of love of neighbour by her willingness to help others and often putting herself last. Jo’s infectious laugh whilst telling one of her many stories will be a lasting memory.
Rest peacefully in God’s care, Jo.🩷🙏
Anne & Ken.
To the Richardson family.
Like many others Jo ‘Miss Rich’ had a big impact on our children’s lives at St. Joseph’s. A dedicated and caring teacher who always went that extra mile to help them thrive.
We will cherish fond memories always.
RIP Jo ❤️
JB, John, Aaron and Carmen Baulch.
To Jo, not only did we go to high school together, you were my 4 sons teacher at St. Joseph’s Primary School to whom all of us have lovey memories of. You RIP dear girl, and to the Richardson family I know you will all hold her dear to your hearts and have beautiful memories of her. Sorry to not be there on the day but I know my thoughts will be.
Love Kim, Ashley, Damian, Joel and Shaun.
To Marion and family.
Our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of Jo.
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Love Alison Lyne (Keilor VIEW) and Betty Grills ❤️❤️
No words Maz, just love and hugs to you, your girls and families. RIP Jo, you’ll long be remembered.
Dear Marion and family, much love to you all on the passing of your beautiful Jo, she was much loved by all for her kindness and wonderful teaching skills, thinking of you at this sad time
Yvonne & Rob
Dear Marion and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all with the passing of your dearly loved
Daughter, Sister and Aunty.
Anne & Colin Ibbs and family
To Jo’s family, my deepest sympathy, and to the St Joseph’s community. I fondly remember our early teaching days. So many great times shared on those numerous Canberra trips each year, all the various interschool events we attended with our senior grades, not to mention wine nights as neighbours. Rest peacefully now, Jo. I will miss your smile, hugs and reminiscing about the good old days. Love Lyn xx
We’re are deeply saddened to hear about Jo’s passing.We will always be grateful for the care warmth and brilliant teaching she gave our girls Emma and Laura several years ago.Jo really was truly a special person/teacher in our community and will be sadly missed.
The most charismatic, passionate and caring teacher that a student ever had. Very fond memories of your classroom, and especially all the funny stories told often. But you could certainly pull rank when required!! Your attitude in the face of recent illness was incredibly admirable, but not at all surprising. A one-of-a-kind person that will be missed by everyone. Thanks, Miss Rich for the influence you had on me and hundreds of other students at St Joeys over many years, you will never be forgotten. Big love to Jo’s mum, sisters, families and all her dear friends. Rest peacefully 🕊️
All our love and sympathy to Marion, Jo’s sisters and brothers in law, her nieces and nephews- whom she loved to skite about. Jo always made you feel special and always had a positive can do attitude. She will be greatly missed. Love Fiona, Geoffrey, Keegan and Nathaniel Kendell
Condolences to Mrs Richardson and all the Richardson Sisters who lived down the road!
Prayers and Thoughts for all at this difficult time!
From One of “Those disappearing Brown Kids next door”!
Precious memories, how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold
We are so very sad at the loss of Jo and we remain indebted to the kindness and friendship she showed to Bette and Ron across all these years. Jo was a person of unparalleled character, loyalty and generosity.
Sincere condolences,
Michael, Jenny, Alexandria and Nicholas Peck
An amazing and motivating teacher. A dynamic force. Sending love and prayers to all the family.
I can’t wait to see you all to celebrate the life of our beloved Jo. She will be along with us all in spirit with her remarkable humour and love ❤️
Jo always had the biggest smile and warmest greeting. I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. Our prayers, love and thoughts are with all the Richardson families. Maz, biggest hugs to you. during this time.
Lots of love Matt & Deb. xx
To The Richardson family, so sorry for the loss of Jo, her family and travel stories will be missed on our Thursday night drinks at Betty’s.
Thoughts with you all for Friday.
Lesley & David.
Deepest condolences to Marion, Angie, Sally, Kathy, Lindy and Sarah and your families on the devastating loss of Jo. Thinking of you all.
Krissy (RYAN) and Greg Goulding.
Deepest sympathy to Jo’s extended family on the loss of a truly wonderful lady.
She was a respected teacher, mentor & inspiration to all, including Amy, Josh & Sam during their time at St. Joseph’s.
Rest peacefully Jo.
Ange & Gavin, Amy, Josh & Sam.
So sorry Marion, Ange and families for the loss of your daughter and sister, Jo. May she be at peace.
Saddened by the loss of Jo. She touched so many lives with her passion for teaching and genuine care for students. Jo will be missed but her legacy will continue to inspire many. My heart goes out to her family and many friends during this difficult time.
Marion, Angie, Sally, Kathy, Lindy, Sarah (and families), I am so sad with you. Jo was my bestie in prep. I learnt to swim (and avoid snakes) in the Richardson’s Dam. I remember Saturday night sleepovers at the Richardson’s spent listening to the Swan Hill Radio Station music and ringing in with requests and getting soooo excited when they mentioned us and played our song. I have such fond memories of that short but beautiful friendship. Jo was always going to be an amazing person, you could just tell. So, rest now Jo and thankyou for the memories.
Love Sarah.
Our deepest condolences to the Richardson family on the loss of Jo. A great friend, colleague and person – one of the best! Rest in Peace.
So sad to hear of Jo’s passing. A respected colleague who was always great for a chat and a laugh. Deepest sympathies to Jo’s family and friends and the St. Joseph’s school community. Rest easy Jo.
It is with great sadness I acknowledge the passing of my goddaughter Jo. You tried to fight the battle Jo, and I am so grateful we got to message one another last week. I am so sad that we will not be able to attend your funeral but I will be watching.
R.I.P Jo.
Love to Marion, Angie, Sally, Kathy, Lindy, Sarah and all your families.
Love Maxine and Bryan.
So sad to hear of Jo’s passing. One of a kind teacher. You touched and shaped so many young lives. You will be sadly missed from the school community. Now in God’s hands.
Clare, Greg, James and Jon Murphy.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to Marion, Ang, Kathy, Sally, Lindy and Sarah so saddened to hear of the passing of Jo. Such a pleasure to know you Jo, so many great memories growing up. Rest in peace. Love the Coates family
Fond memories of a very special teacher who helped shape many of her students lives.
Jo, you will be sadly missed, condolences to your family.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jo’s passing. We will cherish the time we got to spend with her when she visited us in Ireland. We had such a wonderful time together. I will always remember her smile and the sparkle in her eyes. She will be missed dearly. Wish we could be there to support you all and to give you each a great big hug. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
I was heartbroken to hear the news about Jo’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Jo was not only a dear friend but a truly inspirational colleague during my early teaching years. Her passion for education, her care for every child she taught and her kindness towards those around her left a lasting impression on so many. I will always remember her warmth, her humour and her unwavering support — whether it was during long school days, Sunday catchups or simply sharing a laugh and a story.
She gave so much of herself to others and had a special way of making people feel seen and heard. Her memory will live on in all the lives she touched.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May she rest in peace and may her legacy of love, learning and laughter continue to shine through those who knew and loved her.
With heartfelt condolences,
Dan, Liz, Thomas, Olivia and Abbie
Jo will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a strong and independent woman who dedicated her life to her teaching career, loved by her colleagues and all the children she taught. One of our fondest memories was in the Pied Bull pub in London where she interrupted the karaoke and proceeded to burst into song with a perfect and heartfelt rendition of ‘The Rose’ to enthusiastic applause. We will never forget her wicked sense of humour and her caring nature.
Lindy and family I’m so sorry for your loss. You always talked about your Mum as though she was a trusted friend, advisor and your bedrock, and it was clear that you were all so loved by her. I hope everyone’s condolences and shared grief makes your sadness slightly lighter to carry.
A wonderful teacher and an even better person whom all our children had the privilege to be taught by at St Joeys thanks Miss Rich rest easy and love to all your Family from Brett and Jodi Condely and Family.
One of the most memorable primary school teachers. Rip Miss Rich 🩶
Thinking of you all Maz, Ange, Cath, Sally, Lindy Sarah and families. Our beautiful friend, Jo, who was always selfless, caring and always there to help anyone. Your journey hasn’t been easy but you are at peace now. We will always remember the good times and we always shared the bad times. Our memories will hold close to our hearts until we meet again. We will always love you. Fly High beautiful. Rest easy.
Miss Rich, such a beautiful soul taken way too soon. Beautiful lady, such a fabulous teacher we got experience. So many memories to cherish. RIP Miss Rich your pain free now. Xo xo
Nikita Powney, Joshua Powney, Daniel Luks and Peter Luks
Thankyou for everything you did for Austen. We will miss you. RIP dear Jo lots of love Alana, Ben and Austen Kelly
May there be strength, when bravery is tired. May there be love, when the tears flow. May there be joy, in remembering the indelible mark Jo left in her time.
Through these darkest of times, we are with you. Near or far. My deepest sympathies to the Richardson family.
With love, Chris
My thoughts at the moment are of past memories of Jo and the beautiful person she was. To Marion and the Richo family, may you find comfort in the many memories you have created as a close and fun-loving family.
Our beloved Jo. So many memories from our Aquinas days. Loved by all your uni mates. We will always treasure the memories xx
A beautiful generous soul who will be lovingly remembered by many, especially her students. Deepest sympathy to the Richardson family who will miss Jo the most. From The Hirdy Girdy’s
Oh Joey. I am honoured to have been able to work with you as your classroom ed support worker and to teach beside you as a CRT. Your wise words, love and support for my family and myself over the past 10 years will be cherished forever.
Best memory is walking past you on fence duty to the end of the day to pick up Ezekiel from school and you always talking to my 3 little ones, this one day you were telling Ollie how much he looks like his Dad and pop and Ollie turns around and goes “who are you” straight away quick as a wit like always, you reply “Well I was your Dads teacher in prep, your brother teacher and I’m your mums good friend so that makes me Aunty Jo to you”.
To know you was honestly to love you and for you to know any one was for you to love and care for them.
One truly amazing one of a kind human being Love ya loads, Miss you more. Rest easy in peace Jo x
The world’s BEST teacher and an absolute icon at St Joeys Kerang!
We will miss you, rest easy now Jo!
To Dear Marion and all families Deepest Sympathy to you all Jo was very special to me Love to you all . No more pain . Rest in peace . In Gods garden . Prayers for you all .🙏🙏xxxx
Jo, no words can ever describe the huge impact you have had on our family.
You welcomed us into the St Joes community and became not only a teacher and colleague but a true friend.
We are absolutely heartbroken, but cherish the wonderful memories we were lucky enough to experience with you. The true ‘story teller,’ who loved a yarn.
Thank you for the kindness, love, guidance and support you showed to our two girls during their primary schooling. Thank you for being a great mentor and friend to Simon and I.
When the going was tough, you were always there. When there was stuff to be done, you were always there. When a hug was required. Your hugs were the best.
Parent/teacher interviews will never be the same.
Condolences to all of your beloved family and friends.
Forever loved, always missed,
Love Kirrily, Simon, Isabella and Luci Schlitz
Jo you were an amazing teacher and mentor to so many students at St Joseph’s. it was a pleasure to have known and worked with you in the sacramental program. May your family be comforted by treasured memories of an awesome and dedicated teacher. May you rest in peace. Christine
So sad to hear that Jo has passed away. We will remember her as a friendly, dedicated and fun teacher of our daughters at St Joes.
May she Rest In Peace.
Deepest sympathy to Jo’s family and friends.
Rest in Peace Jo.
from Angela Roney and family
So sorry for your loss many years knowing Jo and beautiful person inside and out her bubbly sense of humour will be missed. A fabulous teacher lost.
Love Kerri , Joshua and Alice Hamilton
Flying high Jo. Remembering happier days of friendly rivalry amongst our schools. Condolences to your family, friends and school community. X
RIP Jo. So sorry to read this notice. Great girl and always up for a chat! 👍👍👍
Deepest condolences to the Richardson Families & Friends.
Jo taught two grandchildren, & had a positive impact on both. She loved to catch up , to see where they were up to.
Rest peacefully Jo,
Love Barb , Rob & Families
My love to the Richardson family on your loss of your beautiful Jo💔💔💔💔😘😘😘😘
Jo was such a special part of our lives. She always had time for us, and her big house never felt empty — her huge heart made it a home for everyone. Her warmth and generosity will never be forgotten.
Our warmest condolences to Maz, the girls, and the entire family. Please know you are in our hearts during this time. Such a beautiful soul, taken way too soon ❤️
All our love,
Bree, Tom and Archie xx
Rest peacefully Jo. A truly special teacher who will be remembered fondly by all past students. Thoughts with your family xx
We are all so sad at the loss of our beautiful friend Jo. Love and sympathy to Jo’s mum Maz, her sisters Ange, Sal, Kath, Lindy and Sarah and families and extended family of which there were so many. Jo was so proud of all of you. Now free of pain, rest in peace Joey. ❤️❤️❤️
Your battle is over Jo, thanks for the good times of which there were many. Condolences to family, friends and school community. RIP Jo 💐❤️
Dear Marion & family
Deepest sympathy. Thinking of you all at this very sad time
Such a beautiful human who was loved by everyone and made us all feel loved. We are truly saddened. Much love Jen, Dicko, Remi, Harvey and Juddie. X
Dear Marion and family, Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rest in peace Jo.
Love Joy and Robert Taylor.
Our deepest condolences to Maz, the Richardson girls and their families during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared with Jo. Thinking of you all. Rest in peace Jo.
Dear Marion and family. So sorry for the loss of such a beautiful soul. May all your memories of Jo keep her with you forever and ever. Condolences to you all. Sending love and hugs your way. RIP Jo 🥺💔❤️