Marguerite M. “Margie” (LeBlanc) Richardson, 85, passed away peacefully in UMass Medical Center in Worcester on August 1, 2020.

Margie was born in Fitchburg on March 7, 1935, a daughter of the late Arthur and Mary (Arsenault) LeBlanc. She worked for many years at Marshall’s Department Store in Leominster, as well as in Sarasota, Florida, where she lived for several years.

Margie was an avid New England sports fan, always rooting for her favorite teams, The Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. She always enjoyed reading and listening to Big Band music. Margie loved dancing, and often did, well into her 80s when the opportunity presented itself – she would dance for hours!

Family was the most important aspect of Margie’s life, she was a loving mother and grandmother; she will be greatly missed.  She is survived by her children, Gail Richards of Leominster, Karen Sherman and her husband Barry of Princeton, Paul Despres and his wife Lisa of Panama City Beach, Florida, and Michael Despres of Fitchburg; daughter in law Michelle Burns and her husband Michael of Westminster; grandchildren, Matthew Despres and wife Lisa of Hubbardston, Mark Sherman and wife Stacy of Cambridge, Rachel (Sherman) Bernstein and husband Russel of New Orleans, Louisiana, Michael Sherman of Andover, Robert Despres of Westminster, Lance Despres of Fitchburg; great grandchildren whom she adored, Benjamin, Brody, and Kayla; her former husband Ronald Despres of Florida; siblings, Dorine Waskewicz, Eva Desjardin, Ovila “Tash” LeBlanc, all of Fitchburg; many nieces and nephews.

Margie was predeceased by her loving husband Norman Richardson; her son David Despres, her brothers, Arthur, Zoel, Henry, Leon, Clarence, and Laurie LeBlanc and sisters, Jeannette Caron, Priscilla “Peanut” Williams, and Arlene Russo.

Margie’s funeral Mass on August 8 at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Leominster was followed by a private burial. Memorial contributions may be made in Margie’s name to the American Heart Association, Association: PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.