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Pulcheria Ricks-Poole, medical administrator

Pulcheria D. Ricks-Poole was known as a vibrant woman with a generous spirit who loved traveling, jazz festivals, and socializing with friends and family.

Pulcheria D. Ricks Poole
Pulcheria D. Ricks PooleRead more

Pulcheria D. Ricks-Poole was known as a vibrant woman with a generous spirit who loved traveling, jazz festivals, and socializing with friends and family.

"She would give anonymously," her sister, Rachelle Ricks-Anderson, said. "If she saw a need, she would step in and help out. She never looked for credit."

Mrs. Ricks-Poole, 61, of Newark, Del., died Wednesday, Dec. 14, at her home of complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

For 30 years, Mrs. Ricks-Poole worked for the American Board of Internal Medicine. At the time she left that organization, she had been promoted to project manager for clinical competency.

She later worked in the administrative offices of Temple University Health System, her sister said.

Mrs. Ricks-Poole was born on Feb. 21, 1955, the older of two daughters of Rocellus Ricks and Barbara F. Ellison.

She grew up in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and graduated from Overbrook High School, where she was active on the track and baseball teams.

After high school, she attended business school and then began working for the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her employer helped Mrs. Ricks-Poole earn a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and began working on a master's degree.

She later received a master's degree in administrative health from Eastern University.

For years, she was a single mother before she married her husband, Azeem Poole, 19 years ago.

Ricks-Anderson said her older sister maintained strong friendships with a group of friends from high school. They often traveled around the country to jazz festivals.

She also loved traveling to Europe. And she was known for having an annual July Fourth party and an open house for Christmas.

She was also active with the Bella Donnas, a women's social and philanthropic organization. From 2008 to 2012, she served as its president.

After she became ill about three years ago, one of her friends, a retired nurse, made sure that Mrs. Ricks-Poole could continue traveling with the group for some time, her sister said.

In addition to her sister, husband, and mother, Mrs. Ricks-Poole is survived by a son, Ira Mark Hunter IV; a stepdaughter, Daaimah Poole, a brother; two grandsons; and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 6000 Callowhill St. A viewing will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Burial will be at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd.

russv@phillynews.com 215-854-5987