Janice A. Rice

Janice A. Rice, 81, formerly of Woodland Drive, Norwich passed away peacefully on Friday, June 25, 2021. Jan was born on May 8, 1940 in Caribou, Maine to Nobel E. Johnson and Lillian Johnson (Anderson).

Jan worked for many years for the Navy Exchange in Groton as a department supervisor until retiring. Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening, building puzzles, ceramics, scrap booking and baking.  She was an avid collector of pictures which she proudly displayed throughout her home.    Jan (Nana) was a loving woman who was happiest spending time with her family or welcoming friends into her home.

Jan was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Charles Buddy Rice, Sr, by 2 daughters, Beckie A. Pappas & Julie A. Flowers, granddaughter Jaime Wallace and by 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

Jan is survived by her brother Randall Johnson of Caribou, Maine. She is survived by 5 children, Dianne Niles (Garry) of Canterbury, CT, Charles B. Rice Jr. (Sherrie) of Clinton, CT, Charles Cota (Jill) of Wichita, KS, Sue Wallace (George) of Norwich, CT and Kathy Vargo (Chris) of Chesterfield, VA.  Additionally, she is survived by 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Lilly.

Funeral services will be held on July 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Preston City Congregational Church, 321 Route 164, Preston, CT, burial to follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT.  The family will invite people back to the Preston City Congregational Church under the pavilion for a celebration of Jan’s life immediately following her burial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Janice to the Bon Secours Community Hospice House 1133 Old Bon Air Rd N. Chesterfield, VA  23235 or Preston City Congregational Church 321 Route 164 Preston, CT  06365.

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