Joan E. (Leland) Richer, 75, of 22 Outlook Dr., died Sunday, January 21, 2007, in UMass Memorial Medical Center- Memorial Campus, after becoming ill that morning. She leaves her husband of 55 years, Robert A. Richer; three sons, Robert A. Richer, Jr. and his wife Judy of Worcester, Edward J. Richer and his wife Judy of Moon Township, PA, Timothy P. Richer and his wife Therese Alexander of Concord; three daughters, Joanne M. Rice and her husband Robert of Spencer, Patricia A. Forget of Northbridge, Elizabeth B. Richer of Worcester; a sister, Jane A. Leland of Worcester; six grandchildren, Bob, Heather, Steven, Linah, Zachary, Jamie; a great grandson, John, and several nieces and nephews. Her brother, John K. Leland, a sister, Mary P. Fulginiti and a son-in-law, Michael Forget, all predeceased her.

Joan was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Albert E. and Blandon (McMahon) Leland and was a graduate of Commerce High School. She was a cook at Vianney House on June Street for 15 years before retiring in 1991. She previously worked several years as an operator for New England Telephone. She was a member of St. John's Church, a City of Worcester pole worker for many years, an avid Patriots fan, and enjoyed spending time at Cape Cod.

CALLING HOURS are 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, in ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, 40 Temple St. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, MA. The family suggests donations in memory of Joan be made to St. John's Church Restoration Fund, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.