It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Melina Rice, who was born on April 11, 1949 in Pilley's Island, NL.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Albert Rice; parents - Dorothy Fitzgerald (Furey), Bertrum Elliott; parents-in-law - Winnifred & Cyril Rice; infant sister - Clare Fitzgerald; brother-in-law - Ernest Rice, (Carmel), Wilfred Rice, Gordon Rice, Pleman Rice, Edmund Banks; sister-in-law - Anita Rice (Sidney)

She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her children - Dorothy Furey (Brian Hurley), Patricia Rice (Robert Gillingham), Nancy Keats (Brian), Bert Rice (Claudia Ford), Eric Sheppard; grandchildren - Alicia Hayward (Ryan), Lacey Hurley (Preston), Cheryl Gillingham, Robyn Gillingham (Adam), Dion Gillingham, Jessica Keats, Erica Keats (Justin), Courtney Sheppard, Eric Jr. Sheppard; great grandchildren - Van, Sadie, Nathan, Autumn, Whyatt, Brooklyn, Paisley, Keegan, Addelyn, Rebecca, Dawson, Zayden; siblings - Auguste Fitzgerald; siblings-in-law - Joan Banks, Bart Rice (Linda), Laura, also a special friend Randy Colbourne.

Joan experienced great loss at a young age with the passing of her mother when she was just four years old. Following this, she moved with her grandparents to Baie Verte where she spent much of her childhood.

On May 1, 1971, Joan married Albert Rice, and the couple settled in Seal Cove, White Bay, where they raised their family. with much help from family, they built what would be their forever home by hand with materials from a house that was originally located in Bear Cove, NL - a reflection of the resourcefulness and determination of that time.

Joan had a natural ability for mending, sewing, crocheting, knitting and embroidery. These were some of the things she will be remembered for most. Many family members and loved ones still have items she created or mended - lasting reminders of her time and talent.

When there were others around she enjoyed the moment by playing games of all kinds, whether it was cards, cribbage, scrabble, or any game that brought challenge or competition.

She will be remembered as part of the story and history of her family.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A funeral service took place from Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Baie Verte, NL, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 2:00PM.  Interment will take place 2:00PM at Bear Cove, NL on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Kingsway Living for taking care of their mom.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Baie Verte, NL.