Idella Marie Richardson's Obituary
Idella Richardson, 64, of Rio Linda, CA, passed away peacefully in her home on October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. While pancreatic cancer ultimately took Idella from us, it never diminished her courage or her fighting spirit.
Born on July 19, 1961, in Oakland, CA, to Eleanor Kent and Alfred Romero, Idella lived a life filled with love, compassion, and devotion to her family, her community, and her animals.
Those who knew Idella will remember her for her boundless generosity and her heart for all living things. Her home was never empty — of people or pets — always offering warmth, comfort, and care to anyone in need. Whether she was rescuing an animal, feeding a friend, or lending an ear, she gave her love freely and without hesitation.
Her joy came from visiting with family and friends and spending time with her grandkids. She enjoyed attending baseball games at Babe Best, sharing a meal at Creekside Diner, or having the grandkids over to feed the chickens, Idella made sure that everyone around her felt seen and loved.
Idella is survived by her husband, Rick; her two sons, Alex and Anthony; her daughters-in-law, Charlotte and Amanda; and her grandchildren, Izayah, Anthony, Cash, and Abram. She is also survived by her mother, Eleanor; her Aunt Paula; her siblings, Sylvia, David, and Mark; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Martin, Linda, Mareka, Tammy, and Kathy; and her many nieces and nephews — Margo, David, Mark, Mariam, Lisa, Nichole, Elizabeth, David, Sarah, Jim, Jason, Mark, Sheree, Xochitl, Jack, and Justin — along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is remembered with love by her extended family — Rosine, Jeff, Glorietta, Zalen, Zion, Alan, the Spillners, the Burnhams, and the Britts — and by dear family friends, the Thurstons, Karrissa, Amanda, and Judy.
Her family and community will always remember her as a loving woman taken too soon — a gentle soul whose kindness, strength, and selflessness will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Goodbyes are not forever, nor are they the end. They simply mean until we meet again.
What’s your fondest memory of Idella?
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Share a story where Idella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Idella you’ll never forget.
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