Ann M Rice Obituary
Ann M. (Wilson) Rice, 92 years, passed away at Salem Hospital after a brief illness, on January 27, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late William M. Rice for 49 years and the daughter of the late Dr. Arthur C. and Mary Wilson of Marblehead, MA.
Ann graduated from Marblehead High School and Salem State College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She was a homemaker and devoted mother of five children. Her husband and children were the center of her life. Their home was always filled with family, friends, neighbors and lots of fun. After raising her active family with her husband in their hometown of Marblehead, she began a career as a teacher. Her love of children and education inspired her to begin her career late in life. She was a teacher for 22 years until her retirement at the Collins Middle School in Salem, MA. She was a devoted grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her cherished grandchildren, nurturing and inspiring them daily. She was eager to listen, quick to give encouragement and loved unconditionally. She enjoyed attending all of their activities and sporting events, recently beaming at a Princeton/Harvard football game. She attended decades of Marblehead High field hockey games, supporting her daughter, a longtime coach, and her dear hometown.
She was an active member of the Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead, MA. Always thinking of others first, Ann’s compassionate, generous and loving spirit was a true testament to her strong Catholic faith. She will be forever cherished by her children and grandchildren and will be remembered as a wonderful friend.
She is survived by five children William M. (Stephanie) Rice, Jr., Peter W. (Nancy) Rice, Linda Rice (Edward) Collins, Susan R. (Robert) McNeil, Dr. James U. (Carol) Rice all of Marblehead, MA; ten grandchildren Elise Parker, Brooke (Sam) Wilson, Nathaniel W. (Ashley) Rice, Haley (Eric) McAlpin, Josh (JoAnn) Curtis, Megan (David) Bagdasarian, Sean R. Collins, Ryan J. McNeil, Alexandra “Lexi” E. McNeil, John U. Rice, and eight great grandchildren Madison, Braydon, Hannah, David, Caroline, Aurora (Rory), Crew, and Whitney. Ann was predeceased by her parents Dr. Arthur and Mary Wilson, in laws Bertram and Edith Rice, Aunt Katherine (Joseph) Kerans, siblings brother Arthur (Elizabeth) and sister Sally (George) Bender and brother in law Norman Rice. She also leaves a special cousin Sally Nelson.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 4th from 5-7 p.m. at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street (corner of North Street), Salem, MA. Masks are required for those attending the visiting hours. Her funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 5th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead, with a burial in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead to follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ann’s name to Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA 01945 or St. John’s Prep, 72 Spring Street, Danvers, MA 01923.
