Local Streetperson Petrina Richards Dies

A fixture often seen on the streets of Cruz Bay, Petrina Richards died sometime on Wednesday evening, June 30.

The former Miss St. John Festival Queen was around 45 years old when she passed away last week. While it was rumored that Richards had been suffering from a tumor in her abdomen, the cause of her death was not confirmed by officials by press time.

Richards’ death was not a police matter, according to V.I. Police Department spokesperson Melody Rames.
Richards, whose sister Carryn Powell died on June 23, died of natural causes, Rames added.

Services were Saturday, July 10, for Petrina Richards, who died on June 30, 2010, on St. John.

The viewing was at 9 a.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, with services following. Burial was in Cruz Bay Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Silka Nicole Ritter; son, Shamsi “Billy” Richards Johansson; grandchild, Maceo Ashly Freeman III; brothers, Berris “Stinger” Dalmida, Harris “I-Johnny” Dalmida and Alvin Kumba Martin; sister, Aida Dalmida; uncles, Antonio Oswin Richards and  Alford Richards; aunts, Aurela Richards Donovan, Joyce Richards Charles, Thelma Richards McDowell and Gladys Richards; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Arrangements were by Davis Funeral Home.