GLORIA RUTH BELL RICE

Gloria Ruth Bell Rice passed away peacefully at home in Pleasant Valley, N.Y. surrounded by her family on Sunday,

March 4th 2018 on her 90th birthday. Gloria was born in Bronxville, New York on March 4th 1928 to Helen Spielberger and William Bell. She married Dr. John D. Rice, Jr., the love of her life, who predeceased her after 60 years of marriage in 2012. She was also predeceased by her son Tom, and her daughter, Dana. In her early years, Gloria was a visiting nurse and was affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where she met her husband, John. They lived in Vermont, Maine, Colorado and most recently in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she enjoyed volunteering as a docent in the Santa Fe Museums.

In 2012, she came to live with her niece, Pam Marras, and her family. She enjoyed happy years with them, which included going to broadway shows, traveling to Europe, Alaska and California. She also was able to reunite with several old friends and family members during those years. She reconnected and spent time with her girlfriend, Mary Jane who she met in nursing school. Gloria lived her life as a feisty woman who enjoyed socializing, and drinking martinis even up until the end of her life. She is survived by her brother, William Bell, her

sister-in-law, Jackie their adult children Caroline, Michael and Steven, her niece, Pamela Marras, her husband, Carlo , and their adult children, Jedd Marras, his wife, Karine, Jennifer Marras Pickett, her husband Eric, JonCarlo Marras, and his fiance’, Joei Loussedes.

A special thanks to her devoted caregiver, Annie Lee, who she loved. Thank you to everyone at Hospice who helped Gloria and her family.

Cremation will be at the convenience of the family, and services will be private. The family will celebrate Gloria’s life at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to the ASPCA.