Laurie (Rice) Richards

Laurie (Rice) Richards, age 61, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, ME, after a short battle with cancer, beloved family at her side.

Laurie was born in Haverhill, MA to her father Paul T. Rice, Jr. and mother Brenda J. (Files) Rice on November 28, 1961. She attended the Haverhill, MA school system through high school, and Northern Essex Community College, majoring in accounting. She received her bachelor's degree from New Hampshire College in business administration. She shifted her focus from accounting in her earlier career, to finance management and administration for law firms. She was the CFO for Glenn Rasmussen, Fogarty, and Hooker in Tampa, FL, for many years, before returning to New England, where she finished her career as the Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Manager for the Schoodic Institute of Acadia National Park.

Laurie was appreciated at all of her workplaces, evidenced by the outpouring of care shown to her from many of her former coworkers and employers and comments like "You saved us, set us on a good path and the company will survive and thrive because of you."

Her contributions to her work through her lifetime added up to more than just business. She brought charm, good humor, and personal warmth to everyone who had the pleasure of working with her.

Laurie lived for the simple pleasures in life. Some of her most treasured pastimes were conversations over a cup of coffee, delicious meals prepared for her by husband Jim, her flower gardens, her dog Buddy, and time with her cherished daughter, Meghan.

Laurie regularly enjoyed documentaries on history, archeology, and the more unexplained and mysterious sides of life, including ufos and near death experiences. For over a decade she delved into researching her family's ancestry, creating a book that is treasured by her loved ones.

Laurie saw the good in all people. She listened with full presence, a rare gift for those around her. Her humor lit up rooms in even the darkest circumstances, witnessed time and time again during her battle with cancer.

Laurie was married to James Richards for 35 years. They enjoyed travels, nature and exploring new hobbies together. Laurie devoted herself to James' well-being as an exceptionally dedicated wife.

Laurie was a caring and immeasurably supportive mother to her daughter Meghan, whom she cherished. They were each other's best friends, and treasured the time they were able to spend together.

She was preceded in death by her father Paul Rice Jr., mother Brenda (Files) Rice, and aunt Pamela (Rice) O'Brien. She is survived by her husband James Richards, daughter Meghan Howland, son-in-law Alex Launi, step-daughter Leighann Richards, sister Jacki Rice, brother-in-law Michael Basso, close aunt Donna Roberts, niece Hannah Knouse, nephews Andrew, Max and Cameron Knouse, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Maria's Restaurant, Haverhill, MA, Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 1 to 4 pm.