Sydney Richardson Obituary

O'Kelley Richardson
Sydney Harlow O'Kelley Richardson
March 20, 1943
January 9, 2024

Sydney ("Syd") Richardson passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Born at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia on March 20, 1943, Sydney Harlow O'Kelley was the second child of Captain Horace O'Kelley and Marjorie "Margie" (Still) O'Kelley. After World War II ended, the family traveled west, settling first in the mountain community of Manitou, Colorado. Sydney started school in Manitou as a first grader, but in 1950, the family moved to Woodland Park, soon welcoming a baby brother, Michael Robin. In 1952, the family moved down the mountain to settle in Colorado Springs.
Sydney continued her education in the Springs. In addition to excelling at school, Sydney was also active in church, choir, and especially dance. "Hopscotch Polka," the "Hatbox Dance," and other tap numbers were the stuff of lore. During these early childhood years, Sydney also discovered a lifelong love of horses, Westerns, and Roy Rogers. No wonder she was crowned Princess of the Rodeo Parade!
Graduating as salutatorian of her class at Palmer High School in 1961. Although her counselor and teachers encouraged their star student to go to college, Sydney instead launched into the workforce. A trusted and respected colleague, Syd worked hard and valued excellence in service. At her first job at Bell Telephone, she was awarded "Star Twinkle" for her lilting telephone voice. If you were lucky enough to hear Sydney laugh or tell a joke - or hear her sing with the Sweet Adelines - you know she kept that twinkle sparkling her whole life.
After starting work at Bell, and graduating from high school, Sydney married Gary Emrick. They remained in Colorado Springs, soon welcoming a beautiful daughter, Angie. Syd and Gary divorced, and Sydney's parents - Margie and Horace - helped her care for Angie until Angie's death. Sydney appreciated their help because she was also working full time as a federal civil servant.
Sydney found her life partner when she met Mel Richardson. They wed in 1969 and were inseparable until his death in 1990. Together, they raised their beloved daughter Kelley and created a loving and lovely home. Mel encouraged Syd's talents and hobbies, and together, they enjoyed flea markets and handiwork. Syd's needlework was truly flawless, and she won many ribbons - including Grand Champion - for her crochet and knitting projects.
When Mel passed away, Sydney wanted more time with her daughter Kelley, and her darling twin grandsons, Chris and Gary, so she decided to retire a bit early. For three decades, Sydney had served in the federal civil service, eventually working as an editor and publications manager at NORAD and Peterson AFB. Often recognized for her exemplary service, Sydney provided a keen eye that shaped countless technical orders, manuals, and military correspondence.
Although she adored the people and vistas of Colorado Springs, retirement gave Syd the chance to travel. With her companion, Tom McCann, she went abroad and also enjoyed exploring the beaches and markets of Mexico. In particular, she loved the Southwest, where she and Tom often camped in their motorhome with brother Mike and his wife Linda. For almost 20 years, Syd was a snowbird, sharing her time between Mesa, Arizona and Colorado Springs - where she could also spend quality time with her grandsons and daughter, Kelley.
After Tom's death in 2015, Kelley eventually became Syd's housemate and devoted caretaker. The two kept busy with their "lunch out," as well as Syd's collections and correspondence. By the autumn of 2023, Syd's health had declined considerably. Kelley provided more and more love, care, and support. In the last weeks of her life, Center at Centennial and Sunrise at University Park helped greatly with Sydney's rehab care and transition. The family is grateful for their kind expertise.
Sydney's greatest joy, always, was spending time with family and friends - especially her daughter, grandsons, and great-grandchildren. She literally twinkled with joy and pride when she spoke of Kelley, Gary, Chris, and little Isaac and Phoenix.
A celebration of Syd's life will be held at 1:00 PM on her birthday, March 20th, at Springs Community Church, located at 7290 Lexington Drive. In her honor, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Foundation, the American Heart Association, or another worthy charity.
Left to cherish Sydney's memory are: her daughter Kelley Richardson; grandsons Chris Williams (wife Bailey) and Gary Williams (partner Zaher); great-grandchildren Isaac and Phoenix Williams; her brother Michael O'Kelley and his wife Linda; her sister Sybil "Sue" Wiggins; as well as many adoring nieces and their children. Sydney was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Mel, and her daughter, Angie.