Helgi (Keero) Richardson, born on May 29, 1939, in Narva, Estonia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters and caretakers on January 7, 2026. Helgi was a gentle, kindhearted woman with a unique sense of humor whose life centered around family and caring for others. She shared many happy years with her husband, the late Robert Ray Richardson Jr, to whom she was married for 58 years.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Albert and Helle (Tamm) Keero. Helgi completed her education at Douglass College, where she studied Art History. She then worked briefly for The New York Times and later with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. She became known for her warm presence and the joy she brought to the Philadelphia children she served. Often, she would personally provide special things, like ice cream and new basketballs for them, using her own money.

When she became a mother to her daughters, Linda and Lisa, Helgi devoted herself fully to her family. She was the type of mom who had snacks and tea ready for her girls when they came home in the afternoon and wanted to hear all about their day at school. Helgi encouraged her children to believe in themselves and be independent, but she was always there for them.

Her compassion extended to animals, birds and anyone in need, providing care or help without hesitation. Over the years, several formerly stray kitties found love and a warm lap in Helgi's home. One summer, Helgi hand-raised several baby bunnies that had been abandoned. Later, she happily released them into her vegetable garden!

Helgi's appreciation for art and the beauty in simple things manifested in many ways. She loved gardening and floral arranging. She was known to frequently tell her husband to 'pull the car over' so she could collect wildflowers from a field, that she would then assemble into simple but stunning presentations. She loved the Philadelphia Flower Show and attended many over the years, inspired by what she saw.

Helgi was proud of her Estonian heritage and for many years was an active member of the Estonian community in Seabrook, NJ. She donated to the church there and was a part of many celebrations at the Estonian House. Although Helgi's journey to the Unted States as a child was filled with challenges, she, her parents and siblings also developed courage and perseverance.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Linda Richardson and Lisa Richardson, brother Allan Keero and his wife Barbara, her brother-in-law Bill Richardson, her sister-in-law Shirley Keero, her nieces Patty Richardson, Cindy Poulsen, and Lara Elliott, and friends. She will also be remembered by the many caregivers at Arden Courts and the hospice teams who compassionately looked after Helgi these past several years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her brother, Kalju Keero.

Helgi will be remembered for her dedication to her family and those she loved, her deep appreciation of beauty, and her quirky wit. She never hesitated to take on challenges if she felt the cause was just. Her memory will continue in the lives she touched and the beauty she left behind.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Helgi's arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.