Betty Madelyne Richards

Betty M. Richards, age 97 of Northville, passed away on March 2, 2020. She was born on February 10, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Fredrick and Eleanor (nee Field) Renaud. Betty graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit; Class of 1940. She was united in marriage to Edward D. Richards on July 24, 1943; celebrating over 55 years together until his death in 1999. Betty was a secretary with Hydromation for about 5 years before beginning her most important career as a homemaker. She has lived in Northville since 2014; she was previously of Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Betty and her husband were very active and social while living in Florida. She enjoyed playing bridge and loved animals. A talented seamstress, she kept up with fashion and was always well-dressed and stylish. She was an incredible artist. Betty was a meticulous homemaker and a perfectionist. When she was 16 years old, she began collecting photos and researching her genealogy. She was able to share her history and knowledge with her family; a gift they truly appreciated. Betty was a devoted wife, a giving mother, a loving grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter Judy Portillo; her grandchildren, Carmen (John) Aleva, Darcel (Jim) Deneau, and Edward (Ann) Portillo; her great grandchildren, Nick Aleva, Alex Aleva, Jack Aleva, Rachel Deneau, Anthony (Mary Kate) Deneau, Mateo Portillo, Derek Portillo, and Clara Portillo; and her great-great grandchildren Enzo and Hudson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Vera Jean Pitton, her brother Jack Renaud, her son-in-law Francisco “Pancho” Portillo, and her great grandson Frank Aleva.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 1pm until 3pm with a Family Tribute at 3pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Michigan Humane Society , 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025-4507.