She made numerous first ascents in the Alps and climbed frequently with her close friend Mary Paillon.
[3] Richardson began climbing in 1871 although she did not become well-known until 1879, when she became the first person to traverse Piz Palü in the Bernina Range.
[4] In 1882, in a span of eight days she climbed the Zinalrothorn, the Weisshorn, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
[2] In 1890, they traversed the Belledonne range in winter, and the following year made the first female ascent of the Méridionale d'Arves.
[2] Richardson died in 1927, aged 73 and unmarried, at the Paillon home in Oullins, Rhône.