Dianne K Richardson

On August 16, 1957, a fourth child was born to the late Oralia and Rosalie Richardson. Dianne Karen Richardson was the dynamic third daughter in the Richardson clan, who ultimately became a matriarchal pillar for the entire family.

Born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Dianne attended Perth Amboy High School, alongside her siblings and cousins. After graduation, she obtained an Associate’s Degree from Thomas Edison State College, before settling in for a lifelong dedicated career as a civil servant. 

Those who knew Dianne, knew three things: she was a devoted mother, she always spoke her mind and she always went after what she wanted. Her fiercely independent personality often belied the sentimental, caring, fun-loving person she was. 

In the early 1990’s, Dianne settled in Piscataway, New Jersey in the home she worked so hard to save for and buy herself and where she raised her beloved son, Toney, as a single mother. The mother-son bond these two shared was biblically profound and from the moment he entered the world to the moment she was called home, the two were inseparable and remained in service to one another. They shared a love of family, the arts, and cooking and, together, built a lifetime of memories. 

Dianne was a lover of life who enjoyed dancing, sharing a good meal, theater, crafting and so many other hobbies. She also had a quick tongue and enjoyed teasing those she loved to make them laugh. One of her favorite pastimes was the weekly phone call she held with her sisters during which they would discuss the movie of the week and any other topic that may arise. It's a tradition they upheld for years and something she excitedly looked forward to doing.

Our Heavenly Father called Dianne to rest on February 5, 2023 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. She will always be remembered as a cherished mother, sister, aunt, cousin, mentor and friend by all who knew and loved her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oralia and Rosalie Richardson; and a sister, Doreen Richardson Idlett.

She is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Antonio “Toney” and Nikita Hawthorne; a brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Renna Richardson; two sisters, Elaine Richardson and Debra Richardson; four nephews, Eric Adkins, Reginald Richardson, Robert Idlett, Randall Richardson; a grand-niece, Shuri Richardson; her goddaughter, Jacquelyn Jones; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.