June C. Rice

June Catherine Fernsten Rice passed peacefully on Sept. 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She will join again in heaven with the love of her life, "her Jim" James G. Rice, her husband of 54 years who passed away in 2006. 

She was the daughter of Martin T. and Anna K. Fernsten and graduated from Commerce High. She was predeceased by two brothers, Martin L. Fernsten and Carl R. Fernsten. She leaves her daughter, best friend and partner in crime, Julianne E. Rice of Worcester, her Cherished and beloved Grandson Jeffrey J. Rice and her Adopted Grandson, Jeffrey Attah of Worcester. She also leaves a large extended family of nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and many cherished friends. She also leaves her Sweet Dogs, Emilee & Cooper.

After high school, June became a Medical Assistant and worked for several local Doctors. She worked at Fairlawn Hospital as an X-ray secretary and finally at U. Mass. Memorial, Lake Avenue University Campus in the Admitting Department and Cardiac Short Stay for 27 years. June also did home day care for St. Agnes Guild for several years in the late 70's.

June was a member of the Vasa Order of America Nordic Lodge. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage and was able to travel to Sweden for the 5th time with her daughter and grandson in 2022 where she was able to visit with family members again. She enjoyed traveling and took trips to , Hawaii, Aruba, Disney World and several cruises. In the summers, she loved annual trips to York Beach Maine, and Saratoga, N.Y. Her Christmas parties brought great joy, and she was a fantastic cook especially for the traditional Swedish foods, but she could cook or bake anything to perfection. Many snowy mornings there would be Swedish pancakes made to enjoy. She brought a feeling of magic and love to all who knew her. She loved animals and usually had a houseful. She loved watching old movies, knitting, reading, sewing and crocheting, playing cards, skiing when she was younger, but mostly being with her family. She also enjoyed playing the piano and having family gather around to sing Christmas carols.  June was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Covenant Church and Salem Covenant Church and a Member of Covenant Women. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Laurie Pearson, & the Oncology/Hematology Department at U. Mass. Memorial Campus, The VNA and VNA Hospice of Worcester and Holly Prioulx, for all the excellent care given to our beloved Mother & Grandmother for the past 2 years.

Family and friends are welcomed to a celebration of June's life with visiting hours on Sunday, September 28th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A funeral service will be held on Mon., Sept. 29th at 10:00am at the Salem Covenant Church, 215 Mountain St E, Worcester.

Memorial Donations may be made to Salem Covenant Church, 215 Mountain Street East, Worcester, MA 01606.

There are no words to describe how much June was loved, and how much love she gave to others or how much she will be missed.