Tributes paid to well-known Shoreham child-minder

Karen Richards, who was much-loved by many families in the area for her ‘calmness and stability’, died following a cardiac arrest, aged 53.

She lived long enough to learn the name of her first grandchild, Amelia, and see photos and videos of her, after her daughter Kimberley gave birth seven weeks early.

Karen was a child-minder to many families in the area and, during the lockdowns, cared for the children of many NHS key workers.

She looked after many children before and after school and in particular was closely involved with Shoreham Beach primary school.

Her family said: “She has been so well thought of by all the parents – amongst her records we have found some lovely cards from parents who have been so happy with her care of their children.

“Some have even asked Karen to be god-mother to their children.

“Others have said what a huge difference she has made to their children’s education.

“They loved her calmness and stability.”

Karen was chairman of the Buttercup group, the local child-minding network, through which she organised events including Easter and Christmas parties and raised funds for charity every year.

She also co-ordinated the local group of Sitters, providing families with properly qualified baby sitters.

Her family said: “Karen will also be remembered by many from the Under 18s Discos and roller discos that she ran along with her husband in Worthing, Southwick and Shoreham and other places during the 1990s.

“Karen enjoyed cycling and loved walking and spending time with the family’s two Shih Tzu dogs, Rory and Denver.

“Along with her mother, brother, sister and many friends, Karen leaves behind her husband Paul, daughter Kimberley, son Ashley and grand daughter Amelia, now just two weeks old and doing very well.”

The family thanked all the many people in the emergency services who were involved in trying to save Karen.

Her funeral will be held at Worthing Crematorium on February 2, but due to COVID restrictions numbers are limited. A video link will be available via [email protected]

Flowers are welcome, or donations in Karen’s memory can be made to the British Heart Foundation or to Bliss, the charity for premature babies, via www.karenrichards.muchloved.com