NORTHBOROUGH

Mary M. Rice passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the age of 93 years old. Mary was born to Hugh Leo and Anne Marie (Mulhern) Stevenson on March 6, 1931. She was the eldest of six daughters, sisters who were always an integral part of her life. As a child of a mother who had lived through the Irish civil war period, Mary had a keen awareness and empathy for those who have suffered.

Mary met the love of her life, Thomas "Tommy" J. Rice. They married in February 1955; it's a love story that endured for over 67 years on this earth. The first lived in Watertown then put down roots in Northborough and raised three girls. The family enjoyed many summers of camping in Northern Maine.

Mary was active in the community in many ways. She was a past leader of a local Girl Scout Brownies troop, and for several years, volunteered within the Music Parents Association at Algonquin Regional H.S. Mary was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Parish where she served in numerous capacities, including Eucharistic Minister. However, her most enduring role was as a teacher in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, a capacity in which she served for over 50 years. She had a natural gift for teaching, especially about the faith that was so central to her life.

Surviving Mary are her three beloved daughters, Mary T. Rice-DeFosse of Lewiston, Maine, and Anne M. Rice and Eleanor M. Rice, both of whom reside in Northborough. Mary is also survived by three grandchildren, Danielle DeFosse-Strout, Patricia DeFosse and Christopher DeFosse and her five great-grandchildren, Maximus, Maddox and Makae Strout, Wesley and Willow Myers. Mary also leaves her sister, Sr. Anne Stevenson, SND and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, her four sisters, Bernadette Reilly, Agnes Gannon, Patricia Robinson, Theresa D'Amico and a son-in-law, John R. DeFosse. She will be remembered as a wonderful storyteller, a warm and loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

Calling hours will be 5 - 7 p.m. on Monday, August 26, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Mary will be laid to rest beside Thomas in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.

The Rice family respectfully request memorial contributions made to Saint Rose of Lima Parish – Youth Ministry, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.