Camilla Rice Obituary
Camilla Ann Rice (Mema), age 85, of Hinsdale, NH, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on May 28, 1940, in Groveton, NH, she was the beloved daughter of Eleanor L. Wirein (Wellington) of Surry, NH. Camilla was known for her unwavering devotion to Christ, faithfully praying for her entire family by name each day. She lived out her love for the Lord not just in words, but in the way she loved and cared for others. With her fiery red hair came an equally fiery wit-her humor was quick, her tongue sharp when it needed to be, never afraid to speak her mind but always leading with love. Camilla's greatest joy was her family; she remembered every birthday, every detail, every prayer. She was lovingly known as "Mema" to her family and everyone she met, witnessing to the world and making sure they knew that they were loved and seen by God.
In her earlier years, she married Bob Hawkey, with whom she welcomed her daughter Tamara. She later married Leonard Fuller, and together they had two children, Todd and Robin. On December 1, 1986, she married Lee Rice, whom she loved and was devoted to for 31 years.
Camilla was a woman of many gifts, each one a reflection of her kind spirit and creative soul. She had a deep love for music and found immense joy in singing and listening to gospel songs that lifted her heart and the hearts of those around her. A gifted writer and poet, her words carried warmth, wisdom, and grace. Her talents did not stop there-she was an extraordinary artist, expressing herself through beautiful drawings, heartfelt songs, and intricate crochet work. Camilla lovingly crocheted and quilted by hand, creating cherished keepsakes for her family, and in her younger years, she even sewed clothes for herself and her children with care and devotion. Her creativity was boundless, and everything she made was touched by the love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on not only in her art, but in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Camilla is survived by her three children: Tamara (David) Wetzel, Land O' Lakes FL; Todd (Lisa) Fuller, Land O' Lakes FL; and Robin (Tony) Roberts, Hinsdale NH. She was the proud grandmother of Rebecca, Jennifer, Mark, Daniel, Alycia, Matthew, Alexandra, Taylor, Hannah, Kayleigh, Chase, and Chad, and many great-grandchildren including Liyah, Sebastian, Grayson, Logan, Alexander, Sophia, Elena Rose, Aubrey, Elena Marisol, Noah, and Ezra, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Ross (Diane) Legare, Surry, NH; Vera (John) Kiniry, Bennington, VT; Armanda Henderson, Keene, NH; and Robin (Barbara) Duquette, Swanzey, NH; and beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her deeply.
She is preceded in death by her mother Eleanor, her husband Lee, and her brother Charlie.
We will cherish the countless memories we shared, remembering her as a guiding light and a source of comfort. Our love for her is endless - she filled our lives with laughter, faith, and warmth that will never fade. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing she is home with the Lord, watching over us with the same love she gave so freely.
A burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in Keene, NH, on October 29, 2025, at 1:00pm. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate her life and legacy.
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
- John 14:2–3
Published by My Keene Now on Oct. 17, 2025.