Obituary of Mary D. Rice

Mary Rice, age 91, passed away peacefully at home in East Hartford on April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John T. Rice.

Mary was born on December 20 1934, in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, to her late parents, Timothy and Hannah Donovan. She spent her early years in Ireland before moving to England.

She is survived by her siblings Sheila (John Joe), Kathleen, Theresa, Nellie, Irene, and Timothy (Gwen), and was predeceased by her sister Nora, brother-in laws John, Peter, Bernard, and David & Loretta, Bob & Joan Rice

Mary later immigrated to the United States, where she settled in Hartford, Connecticut, with her uncle and aunt, Patrick and Kay Crowley, along with numerous cousins. She began her career working at the gas company and became actively involved in her church community, where she met the love of her life, John Rice. They were married on May 9, 1959, and together built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and community.

Mary was a devoted mother to her four children: Mary (Mary O), John (Sherry), Sharon, and Eileen. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Shawn, Brandon (Lara), Kayla, Tara, Dylan (Tiva), Ryan (Koda), Timothy (Sarah), and Jared. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Carson, Kal-el, Myles, Oliver, Barrett, Aislyn, Bjorn, Shiloh, Charlotte, with Camden, and Hudson arriving soon.

Mary found great joy in cheering on the UConn Lady Huskies, rarely missing any games, thanks to Mary O and attending many final four championships with her very best friends Bob and Carol Holtz. She enjoyed tending to her garden, and spending time weeding and caring for the grounds at her home and church. She also enjoyed going to the Bushnell Theater with her sister Theresa, delivering the Silktown Flyer with her children, to enjoy camping with close friends and family. Her strong faith, work ethic, and love for her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at North American Martyrs Parish at St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford, followed by burial at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. With sincere gratitude to the HHC Hospice team, especially Lindie, your kind support, exceptional care and compassion, meant so much to our mom and family.

Mary's warmth, devotion, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate to know her.