Madeline H. Rice

Madeline (Lana) Helen Demofonte Conti Rice of New Castle passed away on February 5, 2026 at UPMC Jameson Care Center.

Born August 18, 1930 in Brent PA, she was the daughter of Marco and Pasqua (Esther) Bonanno Demofonte. Lana and her six siblings were moved to New Castle after the passing of her parents in 1931.

She was raised on Division Street by her Uncle Ubaldo Demofonte and his wife Antoinette.

Madeline was first married to Charles G. Conti until 1957.

Madeline married her beloved soulmate, Delbert W. Rice, on September 25, 1965. He preceded her in death on August 21, 2013.

Madeline graduated from New Castle High School. After working at various jobs and raising her two daughters, she completed her education at the New Castle Beauty Academy in 1966. She then worked as hairdresser at the former Strouss' Beauty Salon before opening her own business, the Towne Mall Beauty Salon, in 1970. Madeline continued working at her salon until her retirement in 2018.

Madeline survived Breast Cancer at age 70 and was a focus client for the Lawrence County American Cancer Society fundraiser.

Madeline enjoyed politics and was Lawrence County Democratic Chairperson for several years. She also served on the Shenango Township Zoning Board for several years.

Madeline loved to work hard but also loved to enjoy life. She and Delbert traveled annually to Las Vegas and various Florida communities with several other couples for many years of fun and enjoyment. She loved to cook and hosted the family holidays as well as many Sunday dinners over the years. She also loved to work in the yard and in her garden.

Madeline was able to see five generations of her family blossom and she enjoyed her time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Madeline is survived by her daughters, Donna Smarrelli (Joseph), and Cynthia Conti Rowles (Rick), her step-daughter, Billie Jo Rice Bryant (Paul), four grandchildren, Lynn Glidden (Michael), Ronald Kordish, Joseph Smarrelli (Regina) and Jonathan Smarrelli (Michelle), nine great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Madeline was preceded in death by her four brothers, Evangelist Demofonte, Edward Demofonte, Elmer Demofonte and Ernest Demofonte and two sisters, Effie Butler and Pauline Filgrove.

Visitation will be on Monday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 3000 Wilmington Road, a Blessing Service will follow on Monday at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Father Ben Barr of Holy Spirit Parish officiating. Burial will be in Castle View Memorial Gardens.