Obituary of Joy Richardson Vidal

Joy Richardson Vidal passed away March 13, 2017, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was 84 years old. Joy was born in Passaic, NJ, on July 8, 1932. She graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Social Work in 1954. That same year she married Jean L. Vidal, whom she met traveling to England on the ship La Liberté. She and Jean lived in New Jersey for nine years, and then moved to Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, where they managed a shrimp fishing and marine motors business. Joy was very active with the Franciscan mission, helping to provide medical care to the poor. They moved to Tucson in 1992, and Joy became active at St Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, and volunteering at Mission View Elementary School in South Tucson. Joy is survived by her husband Jean, brothers Burtt (Gladys) and William (Nancy) Richardson, and children Danielle (Bob) Riggs, Michelle (Kent) Piepgrass, Anthony (Helene) Vidal, and Nicole (Steven) Masley. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: John and Timothy Riggs, Jens and Niels Piepgrass, Kristen Piepgrass (David) Howell, Jean-Luc, Gisele, and Renee Vidal, and Lucas and Marcos Masley. Joy and Jean were married for 62 years. Jean lovingly cared for and stayed at Joy's side during the 12+ years of her illness. She will be dearly missed and our wonderful memories will keep her forever in our hearts and thoughts. A memorial service will be held at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 17. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Mission View Elementary School enrichment fund.