Amelia Theresa Riche

Amelia Theresa Laucirica Riche

OGDEN - Amelia Theresa Laucirica Riche, 89, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2012, while being attended by her caring husband Tom. Amelia was born on April 2, 1922, the daughter of Julia and Joseph Laucirica, both of Ybaranguelua, Spain. Amelia''s parents were both members of the original Basque community in Ogden, Utah. Amelia took pleasure in recounting stories of her heritage and she had a great recall of historical details and familial interconnections. Amelia was the last survivor in her family of origin. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Bengoachea, Ogden, Utah; her brother Fred Laucirica, Ogden, Utah; her stepsister, Cecilia Colonya, San Francisco, California; and her stepbrothers, Julian Laucirica, Ogden, Utah; Pepe Laucirica, Boise, Idaho; and John Laucirica, Ogden, Utah. Amelia was also preceded in death by several very good friends and by her beloved cousins Blanche, Dolores, and John Jr. Ylencheta from Manila, Utah.

Amelia had a lengthy secretarial career, first as a stenographer working at railroad offices in the Ogden Union Station, and then for over 20 years Amelia was employed by the US Forest Service. She retired in 1987 after working as a secretary for various directors of the Intermountain Regional Forest Service in Ogden. Amelia enjoyed the craft of words, the organization of details, the challenge of her career, and she always pursued her work with pride for a job well done.

Amelia is survived by her loving husband, Thomas D. Riche whom she married in Ogden, Utah at St. Joseph''s Catholic Church in 1947, and by their five children; Julie Young, Santa Barbara, California; Michael Riche, Mountain View, California; Thomas Riche, Nantucket, Massachusetts; Sam Riche, West Palm Beach, Florida; and Martin Riche, Ogden, Utah. Amelia is also survived by three granddaughters, two grandsons, two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a sister-in-law, Jean Laucirica, Ogden, Utah.

Many will remember "Mamie" for her absolute love of gaming, from the ladies'' Friday night card games and weekly church bingo, to anxiously awaited trips to Wendover to play the slots and 21. Mom loved to win, as attested to by anyone near her when she hit a jackpot, but more than that she loved the aura of fellow gamers and good-natured play. Mom''s games, along with her methodical Scrabble and crossword puzzle approach, revealed her characteristic focus and quick mind.

Mom left this world content with her life. Nothing meant as much to her as her family and her home. We will remember you, Mom, sitting at the kitchen table laughing as only you could.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th Street. Friends may visit family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Special thanks are given to the hospice workers from Alpine who cared for Amelia so lovingly, and Amelia''s trusted doctors, Dr. Reis, Dr. Lewis, and Dr. Nadia Wayment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the St. Joseph Building Fund, 514 24th Street Ogden, Utah 84401.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com