Matilde "Beba" Galban Richardson

Matilde "Beba" Galban Richardson

     December 18, 1929 - July 8, 2024

     Matilde "Beba" Galban Richardson passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1929, she immigrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1959 with her husband Flavio and their growing family. Fresh from a revolution they started anew, building a life from scratch.

Their first home was a Quonset hut on the grounds of Evanston Hospital, where Beba forged lifelong friendships, helped her parents, in-laws, and numerous relatives settle into their new country, entertained friends, and found time to volunteer for community causes. Despite being uprooted from all she had ever known she never missed a beat.

The family relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1969, where Flavio became the town's pediatrician. Beba immersed herself in civic life, supporting many cherished causes, running Flavio's medical practice, cheering on her six very active children as #1 fan and booster at their many games and events, all the while managing to travel and design adventures for herself and her family. The abiding sound in their noisy home was always laughter, with Beba's wit leading the way. There were jokes...lots of jokes. 

Widowed in 1989, Beba reinvented herself once more. Embracing her new life with resilience and determination, she became an inspiration to many, navigating her new circumstances with the support of her close-knit friends, affectionately known as The Hobby Club. She married John "Rich" Richardson and together they traveled the world and became legendary grandparents to both of their families. She seamlessly integrated another family into her "small army." Indeed, all her children's in-laws and countless family friends were welcomed into her home and heart. Her home was a sanctuary for all who entered, and she was a mom, grandma, and friend to many more than just her own brood. 

Her grace, strength, and boundless love for her family, friends, and community were evident in everything she did. She will always be remembered for her generosity, warm hospitality and her passion for life, which inspired everyone around her.

Beba was predeceased by her loving husbands, Flavio V. Galban and John F. Richardson. She leaves behind her six children and their spouses: Maria and Keith Crawley, Flavio E. and Wendy Galban, Henry Galban, Luisa and Gary Bruner, John Galban, Cecilia Galban and Simone Heymann.

As a beloved grandmother, Beba's legacy continues to shine brightly through her cherished grandchildren, their spouses, and great-grandchildren: Carl and Valerie Crawley, Andrew and Shalini Bruner, Ana Bruner, Kathleen Crawley Harrington, Matthew Galban, Alexander Galban, Cecilia and Jake Kidd, Cassandra Galban, Carissa Galban, Vincent Galban, Michael Galban, and Enrique Galban; Lucas Crawley, Gloria Kidd, Ruth Kidd, Charles Kidd, Thomas Kidd, and Mia Bruner.

A memorial service will be held at Getz Funeral Home on July 27th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Flavio V. and Beba Galban Endowment at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. For nearly 20 years, the endowment has provided ongoing support to Jardin de los Niños, which offers early childhood education, therapeutic intervention, and comprehensive services to homeless and near-homeless children and their families.

Rest in peace, Beba.

Flavio V. and Beba Galban Endowment   at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico  https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1152