Hannah R.H. Richey

Hannah Rebecca Habeeb Richey went to God’s eternal embrace on September 17, 2023. She was the devoted wife of Al H. Richey and loving mother to Betty, Howie, Rosemary, and Carol. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born in San Francisco, California, on June 5, 1922, to Elias and Mary Habeeb, she moved with her family around 1930 to Corpus Christi, Texas. Graduating from CC High in her late teens, she worked as a secretary at the Naval Air Station and for Celanese Chemical Company. At that last employment, she met and fell for engineer Al H. Richey. They married on August 30, 1947, and made their home in the Sparking City by the Sea. Together the couple brought three daughters and a son into the world.

With her kids safely at school during the day, Hannah found a side job at the local Texas Education Agency office. With those earnings, she took painting lessons and soon filled the home’s walls with still-life pieces and landscapes, especially ocean-themed ones.

Growing up in an Arabic-speaking family, she had zero knowledge of European music. Though a Mozart/Beethoven man, Al introduced her to Handel’s compositions, which became her favorite. She couldn’t hear Royal Fireworks, Water Music, or The Messiah often enough.

With six mouths to feed, Hannah excelled at cooking, notably Syrian cuisine apropos of her Middle Eastern heritage.

Raising her children, Hannah was always there for us, whether we needed advice for living or just a hug.

Hannah was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as sister Evelyn Nooner and brothers Emil, John, and William Habeeb. She is survived by Elizabeth Ann Brack of Katy, Texas; Howie Richey of Austin, Texas; Rosemary Richey of Munich, Germany; Carol Ellan Farmayan of Houston, Texas; sister Nancy Prettyman of Chula Vista, California; plus scads of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 26, at 10:30am with interment at Seaside Memorial park at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church or St. James of Nusibin Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mom, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you more than we can express, and we carry the abundant love you gave us out into the wider world. Rest in peace.

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