On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Mildred “Milly” Rice of Medway passed away peacefully at the age of 98. Milly was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Herbert D. Rice Sr. Milly is survived by her son Herb Rice of Marston Mills, MA, her daughter Melissa Paille and son-in-law William Paille of Medway, MA, four grandchildren: Evan and Alistair Rice, Danielle and Erica Paille, and many nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved deeply.
Milly was born on April 2, 1924, in Granville, MA, and graduated from Westfield High School in 1942. She married Herb in November 1942 while he was home on Thanksgiving leave from the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Milly and Herb built their home in Westfield where they lived for over 35 years, raising their family, and hosting countless gatherings for extended family and friends. Milly welcomed all and made each person feel well cared for and loved.
Milly had a career as an Executive Secretary for 18 years, before starting a family. She dedicated herself to helping others, especially her family and friends. She lived a full life as a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, and she will be dearly missed.
Milly's passions included creating beautiful quilts and needlework, health and fitness lasting into her 90's as a regular in yoga classes at the Medway Senior Center, and making wonderful memories with her family on vacation adventures and in everyday moments.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Stanley Park of Westfield which held a special place in Milly’s heart. Donations can be sent to Stanley Park, 400 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085 or made through the website at www.stanleypark.org under SUPPORT.
A Celebration of Life for Milly will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Medway Village Church, 170 Village Street in Medway, at 11:00 a.m.