A Night For Nancy Honors Late Canton Woman

More than 100 people came out to La Trattoria in Canton Friday night to celebrate the life of the late Nancy Richard and raise funds for her young family. 

The event was planned when the restaurant approached April Brodeur-Fitts after reading a story about Richard's struggle. 

After Richard's death on Nov. 1, organizers decided to go ahead and celebrate her life. Numerous local residents helped organize and collect raffle items from local businesses. The event followed an emotional week of a Tuesday evening wake at Vincent Funeral Home, a funeral at St. Patrick on Wednesday and a private burial on Thursday.  

Friday's event generated more than $10,000 for the Richard Team, a fund set up at Collinsville Savings Society for the family. 

"The night was a major success and I'm very grateful to the community," said Nancy's step-daughter Chelsea Richard. "I'm sure Nancy's looking down, very happy. A very special thanks to April Brodeur-Fitts and her crew." 

In addition to Chelsea, Nancy's husband John Richard, sons Sean, Cameron and Brian and daughter Mackenzie came out to the event to thank participants. 

In addition to her children, Richard left behind her parents Charles and Terry (Murphy) Elliott, two brothers, James and Joe, and other family members. 

The Richard family never sought the spotlight but it found them as people learned earlier this year that Nancy, a 2012 breast cancer survivor, had been diagnosed with two brain tumors. A stroke during one subsequent surgery left her with physical challenges and later the family found out the cancer had spread to her lungs. 

During the ordeal, members of the community delivered meals, provided transportation and held two other major fundraisers as well as other tributes. 

The family is also talking of ways to keep Nancy's memory and awareness in the forefront. 

"We hope Nancy's memory brings people together for years to come," Chelsea Richard said. 


Those who still want to donate to the family can do so via 
The Richard Team c/o Collinsville Savings Society 
PO Box 350 
Canton, CT 06019