Helen K. Rice, 79, of Jefferson, passed away on the afternoon of May 2 at the Brentwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Yarmouth. Born in Damariscotta on Nov. 11, 1931, she was the daughter of Wilder and Nellie (Berce) Erskine.
Helen grew up in Damariscotta, attending local schools, and graduated from Lincoln Academy in Newcastle. After high school, she started working as a telephone operator for the Nash Telephone Co. in Damariscotta.
She would eventually move to East Boothbay where she worked for many years as a cook in local restaurants, as well as working in, and managing, several fish markets in town.
She loved to spend time outdoors with her husband, William “Ted” Rice. Whether it was tending to her vegetable gardens or hunting deer and rabbit, she loved being outside. She was an avid Beano player and could often be found at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Boothbay playing a card or two.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ted Rice; brother, Thomas Erskine; and sisters, Carolyn Plummer and Harriet Willey.
She is survived by a daughter, Elsie Libby and husband Alton of Newcastle; son, Greg Erskine of Warren; half-sister, Zoa McFarland of South Bristol; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
At Helen’s request, there will be no formal service.
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.
