Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 12:00 a.m.
Iris Richardson
This beautiful soul will be forever remembered by her husband of 67 years; Ted Richardson; daughter Paddy (Lesley); son Doug (Holly); and grandchildren Emily (Aaron) Scott, Ian (Alyssa), and Davis (Kiara) MacLean, and Ben, Josh, and Liam Richardson; four great-grandchildren, Oliver and Evelyn Scott, Ozzie and Cruz MacLean; and sisters Paddy Kirk and Judy MacLean.
This beautiful soul will be forever remembered by her husband of 67 years; Ted Richardson; daughter Paddy (Lesley); son Doug (Holly); and grandchildren Emily (Aaron) Scott, Ian (Alyssa), and Davis (Kiara) MacLean, and Ben, Josh, and Liam Richardson; four great-grandchildren, Oliver and Evelyn Scott, Ozzie and Cruz MacLean; and sisters Paddy Kirk and Judy MacLean.
After growing up in Lethbridge, Iris attended the University of Alberta to pursue a degree in Pharmacy. It was there she met Ted, and a true partnership was forged. After both receiving a degree in Pharmacy, they moved to Lethbridge and shortly after opened their first drugstore. Together, over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit opened several additional stores, all the while retaining that ‘corner store’ feel. Always a keen student with a brilliant mind, Iris returned to school in the early ’70s and obtained an Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge (with great distinction) just for fun.
Iris and Ted retired in 1994, and while they lived their free time to the fullest, it was her generosity of spirit that landed her in an organization she was very passionate about until her final days — the Interfaith Food Bank of Lethbridge. Iris was a constant presence in Client Intake. Her endless compassion and respect for the dignity of others made her committed to the food bank’s mission for almost 30 years. Iris always dodged the spotlight, never seeking recognition or attention for her many selfless and charitable endeavors.
One of Iris’ greatest pleasures was having generations of family gather at her home on any occasion. She took immense joy in seeing each grow into their own. Her grandson Ben summed her up beautifully: “Ceaselessly putting others before herself and always ensuring others were enjoying themselves to the utmost when they were her guests.”
A Come and Go Reception will be held at the GALT MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, 502 – 1 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, beginning at 5:00 P.M., with a formal service to start at 5:45 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Guestbook (9)
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My deepest condolences to Ted and family RIP IRIS
My deepest condolences to the loved ones of Iris. I met Ted and Iris at the Interfaith Food Bank and immediately fell in love with the couple. Iris was one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met. She followed my curling career, even after I stopped working at IFFB. Iris, your kind smile and generous heart will be profoundly missed.
To Ted, Paddy, Doug & families, Paddy, Judy, & families We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your much loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Iris Richardson. Iris was always so interested in world events , politics, anything new going on in the world, and thoroughly enjoyed debating these issues to the point of getting her views accepted. Always fun to hear those chats and the humour she got from pushing peoples buttons. Iris was most interested in family and was always there showing her support and love. Her favourite times were hosting family and friends which she did so well. We are thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Jerry & Dianne & family
To Ted and Family, So sorry to hear that Iris had passed away. She was always such a pleasure to have a conversation with at all the functions we all attended. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Regards, Lorna Peacock and David Gowlland.
My deepest condolences to Ted, Paddy, Doug and their families. I was honoured to have Iris and Ted mentor me when I worked at Lakeview and Westside Value Drug Mart. Very fond memories are embedded in my heart of my time there. I hope all of your memories help you through this very difficult time. Iris was a great lady and will be missed.
I greatly regret the lack of contact I and my late wife Gay have had to all the descendants of Nasam and Mary. All my memories of Iris and you all were very positive. I hope to improve this in the future. I can be reached at J.caswell@sasktel.net
Ted and Iris were a big part of my life (Judie Haysom) in my formative years! I worked with them at El Rancho Pharmacy after my father sold it to them, then at Lakeview, and onto Westside. It was always a job filled with love, laughter and caring , but a little more quiet working with Iris. Our oldest daughter (Kathy) went on to work on westside pharmacy as well. Iris is in our hearts and minds and will be missed . Our love to Ted and all the family.
The Richardson Family I was very saddened to hear of Iris’s passing. I have fond memories of Iris over many years of knowing her. When I was young , it was the connections through Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, as a teenager I worked at Value Village Pharmacy and recently would enjoy her visits to the Sous Chef with Ted when they were out and about. My condolences to you all. Sue Meredith
I will always remember being at the Richardson house… the first place I ever had a grilled cheese sandwich. Also the most beautifully wrapped Christmas present from Paddy. Ted and Iris were wonderful to me when I worked at lake view drugs, I remember Iris fondly. My deepest sympathy to the family at this time.