Emily M. Richardson

Emily M. Richardson of Swarthmore died peacefully on September 9. She was 93.

Long interested in the arts, Emily had success as a self-taught photographer with two solo shows in Swarthmore. Her work was notable for scenes of the New England coast, Swarthmore College, and flowers, especially roses and Texas wildflowers. 

While living in Swarthmore, she enjoyed attending and volunteering at Swarthmore Friends Meeting for many years. Emily had a passion for swimming. She participated in two water shows with Franklin & Marshall College and taught swimming at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, New Jersey. 

Born Emily Louise Meister in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Samuel Emil Meister Jr. and Mary Louise née Gerstley. Her great-grandfather, Emil Meister, co-founded St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lancaster in 1875. After attending Lancaster schools, Emily graduated from Linden Hall Junior College in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Emily is survived by her four children, Albert of Swarthmore, Emily of Philadelphia, Anne Stevens (Andrew) of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and Lisa (Dáithí Sproule) of St. Paul, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Julianna Stevens (Jono Tosch) and Carson Stevens (Esmeralda Gonzales) of Massachusetts; and one great-grandchild, Magda Tosch, of Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her sister, Gertrude "Trudie" Stoler, and her son-in-law, Rick Fine.

View a selection of photos, including photos of and by Emily.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Emily's name may be sent to Swarthmore Friends Meeting at 12 Whittier Place, Swarthmore PA 19081.