Dr. Mary Esther Rice

Dr. Mary Esther Rice

Smithsonian Senior Research Scientist Emeritus, Dr. Mary Esther Rice, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on April 29, 2021. Born to Daniel and Florence (Pyles) Rice on August 3, 1926, she grew up with siblings Daniel and Frances in Temple Hills, MD. She obtained an A.B. from Drew University, an M.A. from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Washington. Mary became a curator and research zoologist at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC in 1966 and was stationed in Fort Pierce, FL beginning in 1972 where she developed and directed the Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) and the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit. After her retirement in 2002, she continued her scientific pursuits at SMS and from her summer residence in Friday Harbor, WA. She is survived by her sister, Frances Lynn, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, and many friends and scientific colleagues. Her ashes will be scattered at a later date in the oceanic waters that she loved. Contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the Smithsonian Institution for the Mary Rice Life Histories Fund that supports the program so dear to her heart - c/o Dr. Valerie Paul, Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949.