Marilyn Elaine Rice, 88, of Turner, Maine passed away on December 5th, 2023. Marilyn was the devoted wife of Stanley John Rice of 65 years. Together, they raised four children: Susan Patton, married to Jim Patton of Derry, NH; Katherine Frey, married to Gregory Frey of Edina, MN; Gregory Rice, married to Caroline Rice of Marstons Mills, MA; and Jonathan Rice, married to Nancy Rice of Hanson, MA. Marilyn was also blessed by 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Marilyn was the daughter of Ruth and Roland “Happy” Foss and sister of Teddy Foss, David Foss, and Sharon Osborne. Marilyn was born on June 12, 1935, in Livermore Falls, Maine, and attended Livermore Falls Nazarene Church throughout her childhood. Her church experience, fostered by her mother, had a profound impact on her. Marilyn’s kindergarten teacher, Anne Derby, was also an inspiration and would one day inspire Marilyn to follow in her footsteps. These two influences led Marilyn to enroll at Eastern Nazarene College in 1953 when she headed to Quincy, MA, to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.
In 1954, while enrolled at Eastern Nazarene, Marilyn met the eventual love of her life, a new student on campus and Korean War veteran, Stanley. Marilyn and Stan quickly fell in love and were married in 1955. Marilyn said in her later years, “Marrying Stan was the best thing I ever did”. Marilyn left ENC in 1955 to raise a family but returned in 1965 and eventually graduated with honors in 1969.
Upon graduation, Marilyn began what would be a successful 21-year teaching career in Rockland, MA. During her teaching career, Marilyn also stayed actively involved in the church on Sundays, serving in roles such as Sunday school teacher, pianist, organist, accordionist, church librarian, and even bus driver. Marilyn did it all!
Throughout the 70s and 80s Marilyn was a “SuperFan” of youth, high school, and college sports. Marilyn and Stan attended all of her sons’ baseball, basketball, and football games. Nothing made Marilyn more happy and proud than enjoying the successes and accomplishments of her children.
In 1990, Marilyn retired from teaching and, in 1998, moved back to her roots in Turner, Maine. Marilyn spent the next 22 years living near the family cabin at Bear Pond, where she cherished many visits from her family and friends. In her later years, Marilyn was always “on the go”. She loved her new home and the familiar surroundings of Maine. Marilyn ran her high school reunion committee, formed many new friendships, and kept busy with her sewing, painting, thrift shopping, and of course, watching her beloved Red Sox.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt sense of gratitude to Carlene and Tammy from Amedisys Healthcare at Home Services in Bedford, NH. Their kindness and compassion was appreciated by all.
A memorial service for Marilyn will be held in August in Maine.