Cecilia Dominisse Richards

Sumter, SC……… It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Cecilia Dominisse Richards, who passed away peacefully at home with her family on October 30th, 2023 at the age of 77.

Cecilia Louise Armenta, known to family and friends as "Cece" was born in Los Angelas, California January 15, 1946. A family of 8 children and 2 hard working parents engendered a strong work ethic and sense of duty in Cecilia. After high school, she went to work to help her parents by taking courses to become a secretary. She started as a clerk stenographer for the US Air Force in El Segundo, California in 1964 beginning a career of service that would last 37 years. Clerk Stenographer, Staffing Assistant, various clerical positions and finally moving into personnel, Cecilia would wind up in charge of Family Support and Mission Support Chief at Rhein Main AB Frankfurt, Germany in 1995. She would take over the job as Director of the Family Support Center, Brooks AB, San Antonio, TX.Cecilia met Robert Dominisse and later married in Aug 29, 1970. They had 26 glorious years together. Robert Dominisse passed on April 19, 1996. Some of the many awards she would accrue across her nearly 40-year Civil Service career were: Air Force Civilian Meritorious Service Award, Sacramento Hispanic Employment Program Council Employee of the year, Mather AFB Woman of the year, Air Force Federal Woman's Program Manager of the year, Exemplary Civilian Service Award, Air Base Squadron Supervisor of the year, Regional Support Group Civilian Employee of the year and many, many more. Cecilia retired from federal service in 2001. On a flight to California in 1999, to visit her family, she would meet Manning Richards. This meeting would lead to their marriage in 2002. With a second chance at wedded bliss, Cece would begin on her new journey as an avid rider of motorcycles, international traveler, and grandmother to Robert's children, enriching their lives with wisdom and stories about her times abroad. Cecilia made it a point to teach her grandkids to appreciate the holidays, especially Easter and Christmas. Corn pudding Easter egg hunts, and opening Christmas presents on the living room floor were all cherished memories for her grandkids, as well as sleepovers, making breakfast for grandpa and watching Judge Judy while curled up on the couch together. In 2017 Cece and Manning would join Robert and Megan on another adventure, moving to Sumter, South Carolina. Cecilia enjoyed travel, family and watching her grandchildren grow.

Survivors in addition to her husband and leaving behind are her remaining siblings: Beatrice Dever of Garden Grove, CA, Alfred Armenta (Lona) Cherry Valley, CA, Geraldine La Salvia (Frank) Weed, CA, Rose McFadden (Larry) Moreno Valley, CA, Lorraine Moore (Douglas) Mesa, AZ, and 8 nieces and 12 nephews all over the country

She was preceded in death by her parents Ray Armenta & Teresa Armenta (de la Fuente), and siblings, Rebecca Armenta and Ray Armenta.

The family would like to invite friends to gather for a memorial service at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd.  Bakersfield, CA  93312, on December 15, 2023 at 10:00 am. A reception will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite non-profit organization in honor of Mrs. Cecilia D. Richards.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cecilia Dominisse Richards, please visit our floral store.