Vanessa Rich Obituary

Vanessa,

Thanks for making us better and for being the example of a noble servant, as we labor in this comprehensive effort to serve children and families.

And for those times when we drifted from our calling thanks for putting us back on track.

Thanks for letting us, the younger generation, stand on your shoulders.

We are better at what we do because of you and your contributions to the Early Childhood Community, particularly but not limited to your works with Head Start and Early Head Start and eventually with the National Head Start Association as the organization's leader.

May your family find comfort in knowing the positive impacts you have had on the lives of individuals like myself and on the thousands of children and families across this nation.

And today we are still calling your name "Vanessa Rich."

May you rest in peace and may you receive your blessings and bounties in this life and the hereafter, Amen.

I cannot believe I missed this news. I was looking at an upcoming conference in December and there was Vanessa's picture. Gosh, I am going to miss seeing her bubbly personality at the training. No more cheering us all on in this tough tough work. Some mentioned her smile. Yes! It lit up a room. To Vanessa's family: Please know that she has all her jewels in her crown. That big heart for children will never be forgotten and will live on in me to want to keep her light going! Thank you Vanessa for your examples, enthusiasm and energy you passed on to me!. You are missed!

I've only recently learned of the shocking and sad news of Vanessa's passing. I first got to know Vanessa in the mid-70's when I worked as the Illinois Head Start Handicap Services Advocate and she welcomed me into her home and her professional circle in Galesburg, helping me make connections and feel comfortable in my new statewide role. Many years later, we worked together at CSR, Inc, in Chicago where, as my supervisor, she provided me with tremendous mentoring and learning opportunities with the Region V T and TA provider for Head Start/EHS.

Since relocating to St. Louis in 1990, our paths have not crossed; but I shall never forget her--she is truly one of those people who shape your life and instill you with a lifetime of memories. May you rest in peace, dear Vanessa.
Bruce B. Bradley
St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Vicky and Seth and children, My name is Sue Reedy Williams and I was an old friend of your mother. I just learned that she died and I am so sorry that I was not able to attend the funeral service or wake. I sang with her at St. Ignatius Church from 1985-1988 and that was the start of a friendship and business relationship as I represented her company Center Circle, Inc. I am attorney and live and work out in the suburbs, so our paths did not connect often in recent years, but I loved your mother. she was a great friend and mentor to me and I will miss her greatly. I know she adored her children and that family was so important to her. I will always keep her in my heart. With love, Sue Reedy Williams, 1900 S. Highland Ave, Suite 100, Lombard, IL 60148 630-873-8533

May God bless the family during this time

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sincere Condolences to the family. I will keep the family in my prayers.

Our sympathy to Seth and Vykie. You may not remember us. We are connected through the yrs. of Little League. We enjoyed your Mother so much with her abundant energy and love. She will be missed, am so glad we crossed paths in this life if only for a short time. Karen, Butch, Chris and Jeremy Kleine

Words cannot express the emptiness that I fell in my family.I My God strengthen the Hudson and Rich family during these difficult days. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

My condolences to to Vanessa's family.
She was a lifeforce----a devoted, loving, and caring person.
Hoy McConnell
Executive Director, BPI

God's grace is sufficient. May he strengthen you doing this difficult time.

Childcare will definitely miss Vanessa Rich. She definitely was the shining light for childcare.

You will surely be missed.
Ms. Erica Cork
Rauner YMCA

I work externally with the National Head Start Assoc. and only met Vanessa briefly at the 50th anniversary celebration in 2015. I was impressed by her immediately both on stage and in person. Even though we had previously only spoken over the phone once, she knew me instantly and acted as if we were old friends. She had a very kind way about her and clearly made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and adults throughout her life. I am quite sure that her impact will be felt for many years to come as those she helped continue to grow as people. She was a treasure and I am sorry for the loss to all of her family, Chicago education and Head Start across the country. God Bless

Vanessa Rich will be greatly missed in this world, in the world of Early Childhood and particularly in the Head Start family. She will be remembered for her passion, concern and wiliness to fight on behalf of low income children and families. My sister spoken up whenever necessary, regardless of the fallout in her quest for fairness, truth and opportunity for those less fortunate. I am sure there is a special place in the paradise for this Sister and my Friend.

Peace be with you my beloved Sister,
Kahree Wahid

Vanessa will be remembered as a good friend, good mentor, and good surrogate mother. Your patience, kindness, high spirit, smile, and especially that laugh will never be forgotten. From the days of you mentoring me with the I AM series to the Bud Billiken Day Parade to the Present Day you have helped be become the fiery person I am today. Big hugs Vanessa you are Unforgettable...

God has called to rest, the forever committed and active life of another strong willed and generous, loving and caring soul. Vanessa Rich has been a Mother to many (Mother, grandmother, God mother and Blessed Mother) and a friend and mentor to even more of us here on earth. Her arms and heart of love and wisdom will remain around us for many more years to come. She touched the lives of many with her leadership and perception of her God given purpose in this earthly life. I'm thankful for having had her touch my life and inspire me to go on steadfastly with the purpose that God had given each of us. We too should trust in God and let our life be as a beacon to the world of the many Blessings that come in our commitment and service to God in the living of our life. Blessings which are evidenced and that will continue on in the lives of her family, friends and the lives of the many , young and old, that she has inspired. Indeed we are all Blessed in having had Vanessa Rich to touch our lives.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs
Vanessa will always be remembered for her light and love for everyone. Thanks for sharing her with us.

Vanessa was the best cousin and friend one could ask for. She had a sharp mind and wit. She will be sorely missed but forever cherished for all she has left us.

Vanessa will truly be missed. Her enthusiasm and infectious smile at Head Start Rallies were always something to look forward to. I last saw her in D.C. this past September as she did the Nay Nay to get us moving and shaking at the rally near the capitol.
Thank you to her family for sharing her with us.
Sharon Judie
PSESD Head Start
Renton, WA

To the family of Vanessa Rich - may God's healing love comfort and strengthen you in this difficult moment in your lives. Sincerest condolenses from me and my husband.

It is never easy to lose a loved one, I pray you find comfort in Gods promise found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will see all our loved ones again. My deepest condolences to the family.