On Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Terrance Rickard; dearest mother of JoAnn (Steve) Lee, Chris (Dena) O’Brien, Lisa (partner Bud) O’Brien and Edward (Cassie) Rickard; dear grandmother of Benjamin, Nolan, Adelynn Rickard, Shane (Kelly) O’Brien, Hilary O’Brien, Holly Hathaway, and Tyler Miller; great-grandmother of Blake and Beckett O’Brien; sister-in-law of Celeste Wilson; our dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend of many.
Born in Portsmouth, England on September 12th, 1936 to Edwin & Violet Ferns. The family settled in Kent, England. Her father was summoned to the 2nd World War serving in the British Army, and declared MIA, never returning. Edwina was raised by her mother, Violet, who worked as a nurse. Edwina graduated in 1951 from Ellington School for Girls in Ramsgate, Kent, England, & also received high marks in ballet and tap dancing. In 1954 she began her training as a nurse at Royal Seabathing Hospital in Margate, Kent, England.
In 1956, she married Ron O’Brien. Their first daughter, Dawn, passed as an infant at 3 weeks. In 1958, they welcomed their daughter, JoAnn, and moved to Enid, OK, USA. They welcomed their son, Chris, in 1959, and later moved to St. Louis. Their daughter Lisa was born in 1963 in St. Louis.
Edwina completed her High School Diploma at the American School in 1970, and became a naturalized American Citizen in 1976.
In 1977 She re-married to Terry Rickard and they had one son, Edward. They lived in Jennings where Edwina volunteered at Fairview Elementary. The family moved to Bonne Terre, MO in 1992, before returning to St. Louis in 1999. Edwina worked in several settings, a nurse’s aide, school library assistant, retail, and restaurant hostess, but her primary role was a homemaker. She volunteered a lot of her time at schools, churches, and civics.
Edwina was the sweetest of souls, always polite and welcoming, and a gracious hostess to all. She loved and served her family well through the very end, and will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation Tuesday, March 28, 11:00 a.m. until Service 12:30 p.m. at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd. Interment St. Lucas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Greater Missouri Alzheimer’s Association and/or Meals on Wheels of Greater St. Louis.
We pray today for the repose of souls of the Departed. May the Lord grant comfort for those who grieve them.
We pray today for the repose of souls of the Departed. May the Lord grant comfort for those who grieve them.
Aunt Edwina truly was the kindest of souls. My Uncle Terry adored her. They had their one sweet son Eddie, who is just like his parents, a sweet, kind and good man who loves his family. I always loved Aunt Edwina’s British accent and loved listening to her talk while we visited with Uncle Terry’s parents, my Grandpa and Granny Rickard. Aunt Edwina was so gentle and I never heard a harsh word come out of her mouth. Though I mourn her passing, I know she and Uncle Terry are together again.
Aunt Edwina truly was the kindest of souls. My Uncle Terry adored her. They had their one sweet son Eddie, who is just like his parents, a sweet, kind and good man who loves his family. I always loved Aunt Edwina’s British accent and loved listening to her talk while we visited with Uncle Terry’s parents, my Grandpa and Granny Rickard. Aunt Edwina was so gentle and I never heard a harsh word come out of her mouth. Though I mourn her passing, I know she and Uncle Terry are together again.
So sorry for your loss Lisa and Holly
So sorry for your loss Lisa and Holly
Lisa and Holly sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Hugs and lots of love to both of you.
Lisa and Holly sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Hugs and lots of love to both of you.
My sincerest condolences to Cassie and the Rickard family. Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time. With love, Deidra A.
My sincerest condolences to Cassie and the Rickard family. Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time. With love, Deidra A.
Dearest JoAnn and Tyler,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Martha
Dearest JoAnn and Tyler,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Martha
Sending my condolences to the family of Edwina. She was such a blessing to so many with her beautiful smile and sweet personality. I will keep your family in my prayers at this time of loss.
Sending my condolences to the family of Edwina. She was such a blessing to so many with her beautiful smile and sweet personality. I will keep your family in my prayers at this time of loss.