Frances A. Rice, born in Washington Heights, passed away on 4/3/2021.

Fran, daughter of the late James and Mary Rice, is survived by her two sisters, Joan Marie Rice and Eileen Kent (David), nephews Richard Smyth (Anne), Donald Grace (Michelle), Jimmy Grace and niece Susan Daly (Pat). Nothing was more meaningful in Fran’s life than her thirteen great nieces and nephews: Katie, Brendan, Maura, Jayne, Mary, Sean, Alex, Kevin, Ambrose, Matthew, Patrick, Aine and Aidan. 

Fran was executive assistant to the CEO of Meredith Corp. She was beloved for her dedicated enthusiasm for over thirty years. Fran loved travel exploring the world, including places such as Ireland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy and Peru to name only a few. Sitting on a beach in Hampton Bays with a cup of coffee was a favorite pastime. 

Having fostered consistent friendships from her childhood in Washington Heights that shine as brightly today as they did half a decade ago, Fran gleaned no more meaning from anything in life than she did from the connections with anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Be it a coworker, a niece or nephew, a stranger or a sister, any person that wandered into Fran’s world was gifted a piece of it that served as a home away from home that will remain forever.

To know Fran was to love her and she will be dearly missed by all. 

Reposing Wednesday April 7, 2021 from 1-4 pm at Riverdale-On-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave. Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church. Committal private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frances Rice’s name to “St. Jude Children's Research Hospital” at stjude.org.