Patricia May Rice, age 94, of Edwards, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at the Carthage Center Nursing Home.
Patricia was born on October 10, 1930 in Ogdensburg to the late Seymour L. and Esther (Bice) Young. She attended schools in Hermon, Ogdensburg and Madrid before receiving her High School Equivalency Degree in Potsdam. Pat earned her license in practical nursing from St. Peter’s School in Ogdensburg.
She married Merton L. Rice on September 15, 1947 at the First Baptist Church in Gouverneur by the Rev. Ward H. Crawford. Mr. Rice passed away on September 23, 2006.
Mrs. Rice worked as a care giver for the elderly for many years. She had previously worked as a LPN at the Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg and had also worked in Dr. Bongiovanni’s office for three years.
Pat was a founding member of the Edwards VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Edwards Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She was also a former member of the Edwards Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also liked to sew, knit, crochet, and travel.
Her survivors include her daughter, Bonita “Bonnie” Rice of Florida; two sons and their wives, Merton “Bud” Jr. and Ann Rice of Watertown, Mark and Diane Rice of Edwards; two sisters, Esther McIntosh of Gouverneur and Jon Besaw of Gouverneur. She is also survived by five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband; three brothers, Seymour, Russell and Rutherford “RJ” Young; and three sisters, Juanita Spinelli, Delores Hughes and Jan Sanchez.
Services for Pat will be private for the family. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Edwards Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.