In loving memory of Carole Ann Richardson (née McCullough), who was born on March 9, 1941, in the town of Fortuna. Carole departed peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Carole was the cherished daughter of Manly “Chub” and Mary McCullough, who instilled in her the values of love and loyalty that she carried throughout her life. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Linda and brother-in-law Mike Mahn, niece Nicole Mahn-Newman; friends Pat DeMarzi, Gloria Grundman and Flora O’Donald. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Carole is survived by her husband, Darrell Richardson. They began their lives together on July 19, 1958, They purchased a home in Rio Dell in 1966 and raised their daughters there. Carole’s daughters, Lorie Walsh (John) and Shellie Richardson, were the light of her life, and she celebrated their every achievement with pride.

A loving grandmother, Carole’s legacy includes her grandchildren: Taylor Walsh (Chuck), Jordan Walsh, Shane Walsh (Carrie), Zachery Richardson, Sara Knapp (Mickey), and Travis Sarvinski (Laura). She also delighted in the joy of her 10 great-grandchildren, who brought endless smiles and laughter into her life.

Carole was a devoted homemaker and a nurturing mother. She enjoyed her role as a cook’s helper in the Rio Dell School Cafeteria, where she worked for 17 years. She lovingly referred to it as her “little” job. She made delicious lemon meringue pies and loved to search for treasures at any thrift shop she came across!

A lover of horses from a young age, Carole cherished her spirited pinto horse, Brandy, who would rear on command, much to her delight. She enjoyed transforming old rocking horses into beautiful carousel ponies.

Carole was a woman of unwavering loyalty and love, never allowing a harsh word about her loved ones. She was very generous and made heartfelt donations to many organizations including Shriners Children’s Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A celebration of Carole’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on June 6, 2026, at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Carole Richardson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.