Ellen L. Rice, 76, of Pemaquid, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of June 2 at Cove’s Edge Nursing Facility in Damariscotta. She was born on Dec. 19, 1936 in Cushing, the daughter of Orrin and Edith (Sherman) Poland.
Ellen moved with her family to Bristol when she was quite young. She grew up in New Harbor and attended Bristol schools. In 1953, she married David N. Farrin and moved to South Bristol where the couple made their home and raised their five daughters. David passed away in 1991, and Ellen moved back to Pemaquid.
In April of 1997, she married Merrill Rice and the two of them had 15 fun years together. They loved to go camping and went as often as they could before Merrill passed away in February of 2012.
Ellen was always very fashionable and often gave untrained perms to her friends and family. She loved sewing, cooking and knitting, especially scarves; everyone who knew her well has at least one of her handmade scarves.
She loved to shop, but her shopping wasn’t always for herself. She was extremely generous, and always had a gift, or card, on hand to give to someone. More than anything, she loved spending time with her loving friends and family. She was a long-time member of the South Bristol Union Church, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, David Farrin; and second husband, Merrill Rice.
She is survived by her daughters, Sue Hope, Carol Prescott, Roxanne McLain, Debbie Reilly and husband William, and Audrey R. Benner; sister, Mary Stevens; brothers, Fred Poland, Arthur Poland, Edwin “Bucky” Poland, and Stuart Poland; grandchildren, Justin Bailey, Amber Hutchinson, Miranda Hope, Chris Pendleton, Ashley Prescott, Andrea Hauck, Darrell Fossett, Michelle Reilly, Brandon Reilly, Andrew Corson, and Trevor Benner; 12 great-grandchildren, with one more expected great-granddaughter coming in July; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be announced, and held, in July. She will be laid to rest with her parents in the New Harbor Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd.ew Harbor, ME 04554, or Caring for Kids, P.O. Box 412, New Harbor, ME 04554 which goes to fund healthy snacks for Bristol and South Bristol students.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
