Mariah F. Melendez-Richardson

On June 29, 2023, heaven gained another angel, Mariah Faith Melendez-Richardson passed away unexpectedly.  I suppose God said, “This world isn’t for you anymore baby girl,” and He took his child home. She was the heart and light of her parents’ world, Ian and Amanda Richardson; the beloved older sister of Elijah Melendez-Richardson, Noah Richardson, Moses Richardson, and Ariella Richardson; loving grandchild of Cynthia Youngbar, Jose Melendez, Pierce Youngbar, Robert Brown, and the late Barbara Brown; adored niece of Lauren Trelease, Adam Barker, Ruben Melendez, Jared Melendez, Yvette Givens, and Larry Elliott. She is survived by many loving family members and a huge circle of close and caring friends.

Mariah graduated from Arundel High School with the Class of 2018.  Her passion for softball started at the young age of 8 when she joined her first team through the Harundale Softball League. A strong athlete, Mariah played all through high school through her first year of college. Mariah most recently joined a slow pitch adult softball league with one of her closest friends, Michelle Cisco. She was a fierce competitor and loved playing the outfield, often flipping over fences to make the catch. She also enjoyed returning to her high school to support and encourage the team. 

In her professional field she loved being a PT/clinical tech. She truly enjoyed her elderly patients and they all loved her just as much. Mariah recently started working at a daycare center, which was surprising because that was definitely out of her realm, but she loved working with those kids. She was very interested in Sign Language as she had taken a few classes in high school. Mariah would use what she learned and would try to teach her younger brother, Moses, who was diagnosed with Autism. She always wanted to help him learn and communicate.

When she wasn’t on the field, she enjoyed spending time with her family, spoiling her dog Oggie, working on puzzles and anything that had to do with Stitch. Mariah was always on the go and always had something to do, working towards her independency. She knew how to keep you on your toes in a positive way. Mariah would have her own way of making you laugh. She would go out of her way to make sure she spent time with her family. She loved taking Oggie for walks, taking her toddler siblings to the park, and going to the movies with her brothers. She will be remembered for her “nothing is impossible” attitude, her infectious smile, and of course, her funky socks. Mariah will truly be missed beyond measure, but she is now in a place where she will never be stressed, or experience pain. She will forever be 23. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mariah's name may be made HERE

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Arundel High School Softball field on July 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM. 

There will be a softball game held in Mariah's honor at a later date.  Check back for information.

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