Nancy Lucille Richter

Nancy L. Richter, 92, passed away peacefully in her home at Discovery Commons in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, July 14, 2025. The daughter of Alphonse and Lucille (Daniels) Richter and sister of 3 brothers – Alphonse, Jacob, and predeceased by Richard. Her close bonds with her brothers brought wonderful friendships with her sisters-in-law (now deceased), Isla (Huennekens), Mary Ann (Krysco), and Ruth. Nancy shared her love with her 19 nieces and nephews, 35 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and 26 great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Nancy (b. January 21, 1933) was born and raised on the Southside of Milwaukee and Bay View. She attended Saint Gerard’s for her primary grades and Saint Mary’s Academy on Lake Drive for High School. While at Saint Mary’s Academy she enjoyed being in the Glee Club, becoming the Glee Club President for her senior year. She had lead roles in 3 Operettas at Saint Mary’s Academy and would sing for weddings at Saint Gerard’s Perish. In addition to her musical accomplishments, she was Student Council president and the Saint Mary’s Academy Mardi Gras Queen in 1951. She made lifelong friendships while at Saint Mary’s Academy and was considered a “sweetheart” by the girls in her class.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s Academy in 1952 she entered the sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi, where she found her love of teaching. After 17 years as a nun and 15 as a teacher with the sisters of Saint Francis, she left the convent. She dedicated herself to teaching in the Whitnall School District for 25 years at Whitnall Middle School and Hales Corners Elementary, where she piloted the full day Kindergarten program in 1984. She also worked though Milwaukee Achievement where she tutored adults who were preparing for their citizenship exams. Nancy retired from teaching in 1994 and in 1996 became a substitute teacher for an additional 7 years. She was in the education system for 49 years and had worked to receive many degrees including her Bachelor of Science in Education as well as multiple teaching certificates and master’s degrees in different specialties in education. Nancy also served other educators through roles in the district Teachers Association.

Nancy loved music, singing, and playing piano. She spent much of her life singing at weddings and funerals through church. After retiring from teaching, she became part of the “resurrection choir” for 22 years, singing for hundreds of funerals at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (Now Mother of Perpetual Help). She also sang with the “Seasonal Singers”, entertaining at nursing homes around the city and was a part of the Bell Choir. Besides singing, she volunteered through many organizations. Donating and organizing items for the Preparers of the Breech and Saint Vincent de Paul, boiling 6 dozen eggs a month for Saint Bens, helping with events and meals for visitors of the Ronald McDonald House, and working with Interfaith. She dedicated herself to the church serving on the Liturgy Committee and on the Parish Council for Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Nancy will be lovingly remembered as someone who truly cared for people. She loved music and travelling, she was independent and free spirited. She loved her friends and family and was rarely without an activity or lunch to attend. Her faith and moral compass helped guide her through life, but her abundance of love, generosity, and laughter is what will live on in our memory.

A gathering will be held at Mother of Perpetual Help, 1121 South 116th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin on Friday, August 8th, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass at 11:00 AM.