Beatrice H. Rice, 86, a lifelong resident of South Bristol, passed away unexpectedly at home, in Freeport, on the morning of Oct. 13.
The daughter of Miles and Bertha Plummer, she was born in South Bristol, Sept. 7, 1920.
She attended South Bristol schools, graduating from South Bristol High School, the youngest in the class of 1936.
Soon after, she married Leroy Rice, and the couple made their home in South Bristol from then on.
Bea was a member of the Pocahontas, the Order of the Eastern Star and for many years, the South Bristol Union Church. She cared for many children in the region for many years, and loved to crochet and make her famous fudge. After moving to Ocean Park, she became very active with the Ocean Park Toilers.
She was predeceased by her husband, in 1966, and her daughter, Rosalie LeBeau, in 2003.
Bea leaves five children, Janet Frey and husband Charles of Jacksonville, Fla., Marcia R. Mortimer and husband Robert of Bremen, Linda Rice of Owl’s Head, Randy Rice and wife Christina of Freeport, and Herb Rice and wife Lisa of Bremen; brother, Donald Plummer and wife Ethel of Sheepscot; sister-in-law, Mae Tibbetts of South Portland; son-in-law Francis LeBeau of Pinehurst, Mass.; 17 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to a service of honor for Bea 11 a.m., Wed., Oct. 18 at the Chapel of Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, with Rick Newell officiating.
She will be laid to rest at the West Bristol Cemetery, Walpole.
If desired, donations may be made in Bea’s name to the Rutherford Island (South Bristol) Library.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
