Winifred B. Riches of Laurel died at her home on Sunday, July 23, 2017. She was 104 years old.
She was born in Northern Ireland on February 19, 1913 to Anne (nee Fee) and Patrick McLaughlin. At the age of 17, she immigrated to Canada and seven years later to New York City.
She married her husband Thomas J. Riches, a U.S. serviceman, after World War II and they lived in New York City for many years where she was a secretary for Columbia Carbon.
They spent many weekends in Laurel before moving there permanently. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Club and the Columbiettes of the Marian Council. In her spare time, she enjoyed golfing and playing bridge.
Predeceased by her husband Thomas J. Riches on January 11, 1992 and by a sister and seven brothers, she is survived by her nieces Marion McKeone and Una Cassidy both of Ireland, her nephews Thomas McLaughlin Jr. of Ireland and Jack Clark (Pat) of Mattituck, her cousin Frank Fee and her friend Carol Loschen of Laurel.
The wake took place on Sunday, July 30 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck where the Rev. Joe Staudt and the Columbiettes conducted services. On Monday, July 31 the Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Mattituck with the Rev. Joe Staudt officiating. Interment followed at the Calverton National Cemetery.
