Eleanor C. "Elly" Rice

Rice, Eleanor C. COLONIE Eleanor "Elly" Lennie Corneilson Rice, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Born in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Thomas Rubelle and Eleanor Pollard Corneilson. Eleanor's family moved to Albany in 1939. She graduated from Albany High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Guilford College in 1950, where she was president of the Women's Student Government and was certified to teach French and Spanish in High School. She earned a master's degree from S.U.N.Y. Albany in 1952. That same year, Eleanor began a long respected career as an elementary school teacher in the newly formed North Colonie School System. She spent the majority of her career teaching at Southgate School in Latham, retiring in 1993. In addition to her teaching curriculum, Mrs. Rice enjoyed sharing her American Indian heritage, directing student plays and hosting a class picnic at her home each spring. She also served on various committees, working with the school system and the teacher's union. Always the teacher, Eleanor's legacy will be her commitment to educating, guiding and supporting children as they matured into productive, compassionate adults. Eleanor was raised in the Society of Friends (Quaker) and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Albany, where she was part of the Willett Players Theater Group and served as a deacon and elder. Eleanor and her family spent most summers in Savannah, Ga. visiting her grandparents. With an American Indian background, as a child and young adult, Eleanor had to deal with some of the prejudice and restrictions imposed on "non-white" people. However, she embraced her American Indian heritage and enjoyed educating others about Native Americans. As an adult, Eleanor continued her involvement at Guilford College by serving as a member of the Alumni Board. She was very pleased both daughters chose to attend Guilford and remain active. In 1954, Eleanor and Randall H. Rice (deceased) met and were married at First Presbyterian Church, beginning a 59 year marriage full of love and warmth. They were wonderful parents to their two daughters, providing love, guidance and joy in their home. This joy spread to their sons-in-law and grandchildren. They were the proud owners of The Rice Paddy, an 1830 farmhouse and land which they restored, expanded and cared for with love. They hosted neighborhood picnics, Halloween parties, holiday events, wedding receptions, gatherings for her school and their churches, and opened their home to friends in transition. They cherished their Henkes Road neighbors who were like family for over 60 years. Elly and Randy enjoyed traveling across the U.S. visiting family and friends, Europe and many wonderful trips to the Caribbean. Elly adopted her husband's love of sailing, crewing for him on "Puff," their windmill sailboat. She was a very active member of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club and served as the first female commodore in 1978 and 1979. She was surprised and delighted when the family was recently honored with the establishment of the "Rice Racing Series" at S.L.S.C. Elly also enjoyed sailing and overnight trips on Lake George on their boat, the "Step Two." Eleanor was the loving mother to Lisa Helene Rice Hayes and her husband, Richard B. Hayes of Maryland and Linda Susan Rice Thorup and her husband, Donald W. Thorup III of North Carolina; devoted grandmother of Alexander Randall Thorup (fiance, Lauren), Anna Elizabeth Thorup and Ethan Dettmar Hayes; loving sister to Janice Corneilson Warner and her late husband, Robert C. Warner and their two daughters and families. The family wishes to thank the aides from Interim HealthCare and close neighbors and friends who have provided dedicated and compassionate care for many years. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 326 State St., Albany, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 4. A calling hour will precede the service from 10 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place in Albany Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 326 State St., Albany, NY 12210, Guilford College, 5800 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410 or the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221. To express online condolences, please visit sbfuneralhome.com