Gloria Elaine Rickett

With great sadness and sorrow the family of Gloria Elaine Rickett announces her death on December 11, 2023.  She passed peacefully after a long courageous health battle.

Born on June 6, 1953, in Washington, DC, to Clyde and Mary Blandford of Accokeek, Maryland, she was blessed to be raised in the large and supportive Blandford family giving her the foundation for a life as a loving and caring individual.  Her extended family included three brothers Clyde Blandford, Michael Blandford, and Joseph Blandford and two sisters, Marylou Dove and Patricia Blandford as well as a host of nephews and nieces.

In 1971, she married John Paul Rickett with a ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Piscataway, Maryland in which they celebrated 52 years of marriage.  Gloria and Paul raised a family of three remarkable children that she lovingly shepherded into adulthood.  Her children are Keith Rickett (Kristen), Lisa Palechek (Brian) and Phillip Rickett (Brooke).  She was also blessed, and adored nine grandchildren: Kris Rickett, Alexandra Rickett, Jack Rickett, Nathan Palechek, Lucas Palechek, Griffin Rickett, Millie Rickett, Teagan Rickett and Grayson Rickett.  She was blessed and grateful in building a great loving family and treasured every moment with her children and grandchildren.

Gloria was a strong, family-oriented person who never missed an opportunity to be around family and friends.   It gave her real joy to attend the many school, sports and social events where she relished spending time with her kids and grandkids.  Vacations to Lewes, DE and the Bahamas were family favorites where the whole family routinely shared many memories.  Many know Gloria as a wonderful baker.  In fact, her cheesecake was a common request for birthdays and special occasions.  She especially enjoyed making unending dozens of holiday cookies which she shared with family and friends.  The holidays provided the perfect opportunity for Gloria to enjoy baking cookies with all the grandchildren and she relished every messy moment the day provided.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 1-4 PM at the Crofton Country Club located at 1691 Crofton Parkway, Crofton, MD  21114.

Contributions in memory of Gloria Rickett can be made to:

                                    SPCA of Anne Arundel County

                                    1815 Bay Ridge Avenue

                                    Annapolis, MD  21403