Mary Richardson

Mary (Hyde) Richardson, age 80, formerly of Baldwin, died peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from complications of a stroke. She had been residing at Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes in Hudson.

Family and friends are invited to gather in Mary's memory on Wednesday, July 1 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond. A Prayer Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church.

Mary was born on May 19, 1945, and grew up on a dairy farm outside Hammond as the fourth of five children born to the late Ronald and Honor Hyde. From an early age, she showed a natural curiosity in learning. At just three years old, she could recite all 50 states and capitals—a feat never surpassed within the family and one Honor used as an inspiration for future generations. She graduated as salutatorian from St. Croix Central High School in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in Secondary Education (Math and Chemistry) from UW-River Falls, later a certificate in Computer Science.

At UW-River Falls, she became reacquainted with Donald Richardson of Spring Valley whom she had first met during high school at the Baldwin Dairy Queen. Mary and Don were married a few years later in August 1966 with children Angie and Chris following in the 1970s.

Mary greatly enjoyed her career as a high school math teacher, spending most of those years at her alma mater. Many of her former students likely have her to thank for their math skills, and perhaps for a few "character-building" lessons on integrity as well. While her high standards could be demanding, they were rooted in her desire to see her students succeed and leave them better prepared for the future. Angie and Chris can certainly attest to that.

While teaching at St. Croix Central, Mary built a wonderful circle of lifelong friends, sharing summer evenings on the golf course and year-round gatherings. Later, at Woodland Hill, she was again blessed with a community of friends and caregivers who showed her immense kindness and kept her mind sharp at the bridge table.

Mary approached life with quiet determination. A woman of many talents, she enjoyed reading, baking, crocheting, golfing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Mary wasn't always good at asking for help and, later in life, faced difficulties related to alcohol. In her memory, please help reduce the stigma that weighs heavily on those seeking help and on their loved ones.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Don; her parents; and her brother, Jim Hyde.

She is survived by her children, Angie (Derek) Hubbard and Chris (Jaime) Richardson; and her grandchildren: Emily, Sarah, Anna, Logan, Dylan, and Ella. She is also survived by her siblings, Colleen (the late Bill) Evenson, Bill (Mary) Hyde, and Jack (the late Anne) Hyde, along with many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes, St Croix County ADRC, or an addiction recovery center of your choosing.