She was born March 2, 1928, in Bristol, Pa., to the late Henry Beck and Mary Bradley Beck. Mrs. Rich grew up in Virginia and graduated from Fairfax High School, the first and only secondary school nearby. She lived in the Washington, D.C., area for 76 years.

She received a bachelor of science degree from George Washington University, where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, in 1949. She then went to work for GWU, helping to place World War II veterans in campus housing.

She married Peter M. Rich on Sept. 13, 1952.

For 20 years, Mrs. Rich worked part time for the Fairfax County System at The Dolly Madison Library branch in McLean. She retired in 1990.

Survivors also three sons, Craig Rich, Kenneth Rich and Stephen Rich; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.