Obituary of Rose Rice

It is with great sadness that the family of Rosalie “Rose” Anne Rice announce her passing which occurred on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at her home in Hampton, NB. Born in Minto, NB on November 1, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Marjorie (Davidson) Secord.

Left to mourn Rose’s loss are her brothers and their partners: David Secord of Calgary, AB, Peter and Siew Secord of Halifax, NS, Philip Secord and Wendy Salsman of Halifax, NS, and Andrew Secord and Linda Chiang of Vancouver, BC; sister Mary Secord and her husband Paul Kaeser of Corner Brook, NL; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and her good friend Caren. In addition to her parents, Rose was predeceased by her loving husband Allan “Butch” Rice.

Rose was the youngest sibling in our family, but in her too-short life she bore more than her fair share of challenges. She was still at home when our father passed suddenly four decades ago, and Rose became the rock upon whom our mother depended until she too left this world unexpectedly several years later. In her husband Butch, Rose found her soulmate and her best friend, and she embodied the spirit of her marriage vow to stand by him in sickness and in health, until death, too, parted them two years ago. Over the years she provided a home to a parade of cats and dogs, and she fed and cared for squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and deer who knew where they could always find a good meal. She loved to tell stories of her exploits in more detail than most people could ever hope to remember, she loved a good joke and a laugh and a play on words. She worked hard, tried hard, and loved hard, and she will be sorely missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB.  A visitation will be held at Reid’s from 2-4pm on Sunday, February 12^th. Cremation will be taking place, and a private family interment will follow later in the year when she and Butch will be reunited beneath the green earth.

Donations in memory of Rose may be made to S.O.S Strays of Sussex (through Reid’s or by e-transfer to straysofsussex@hotmail.com) or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #28, Hampton, NB (of which Rose was an active member) or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.