Lily Brown Rice

1921 - 2021

Lily Brown Rice obituary, 1921-2021, Ipswich, MA

BORN

1921

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Campbell Funeral Home - Beverly

525 Cabot Street

Beverly, Massachusetts

Lily Rice Obituary

(Mrs. Charles G. Rice II) of Hamilton/ Wenham died in peace at her home Monday evening February 1, 2021. Her parents were Lily Knut Brown and Thomas G. Brown. Her husband Charles G. Rice II ("C.G.") and their son Charles G. Rice Jr. predeceased her as did her brother Tom Brown and sister Ginny Clarke. She leaves her brother Lewis Brown of Topsham, ME. Her family includes her daughter, Lily Rice Hsia and John Hsia of Hamilton and Cambridge; two grandsons: Robert N. Kendall Jr. & his son, Hayden Kendall, and Charles Rice Kendall & his daughter Myla Lily Kendall- all in southern Maine; and a son, Neil W. Rice II of Marblehead and his family. She is also survived by Jonathan and Jessica Hsia and their children: Theodore and Naomi from New Jersey and Sarah Hsia Hall and Marvin Hall and their children: Pixie, Eve and Zora from Jamaica. Mrs. Rice might best be remembered for her restoration and creation of many types of gardens; her gardening skills and knowledge; her devotion to preservation and the natural world; and her care for and generosity to animals, birds, young people and friends. Her accomplishments in growing all manner of plant material and splendid gardens were honored by many awards including: Mass. Horticultural Societys Bronze and Gold Medals; the Garden Club of Americas Medal of Merit (twice) and Creative Leadership Award. Her gardens were often on tour with The Garden Conservancy and other organizations. Her own Club, North Shore Garden Club, created an award in her name for: "creating beauty and sanctuary and care of wild things and wings." She was a recipient twice. Many enjoyed her play on words and amusing quotes. She was a Vice President of The Garden Club of America, President of the North Shore Garden Club, board member of the Chilton Club, long standing member of the Myopia Hunt Club, founder of the North Shore Pony Club, honorary member of the Club at Turner Hill and a member of the Visiting Committee of The Arnold Arboretum. She enjoyed many sports: ice skating, riding, hunting with the Myopia Hunt, skiing, tennis, bowling, equine driving events, cruising, and "simply messing about in boats" with C.G. and the dogs. She was an engaging speaker, writer and historian, who shared her knowledge and mentored many. Birds were a large part of her life and she rescued, rehabilitated and raised all kinds, while supporting non-profits with such missions. She loved the family dogs, ponies and horses and participated in their care and training and helped maintain the farm barns. "Lilys Pad" was created by CG as her garden office in the tack room. A woman of many talents, Mrs. Rice could quote poetry: Rudyard Kipling ("If"); name the 8 wives of Henry VIII & the British Monarchs in order!; freeze an entire veggie garden for future use; create a fabulous corn pudding; perform magic tricks (the spoon) and sing almost all of Gilbert and Sullivans operas and "The Sound of Music." "These are a few of her favorite things:" chocolate, The GOAT #12, cookies with tea at 4, Dick Francis, daffodils, David McCullough, RI Johnny Cakes, blue birds, Longwood MS, her cowboy hat, MBC, QC, Westies, Judy Dench, Harveys Bristol Cream, Tiger, William Trost Richards, plant nurseries, chocolate, her Wellies, bulbs, beach combing, the British Isles, and Perry Mason. Friends of all ages have written of Lily Rice: talented - vivid - stood her ground - we were lucky to have known her - a full and happy life - always caring - devilish - always fun to be with - incredible wit, wisdom and style - firm when necessary - an anchor - so brave in the face of tragedy - gave good advice - wonderful storyteller - elegant - thankful and generous - feisty - humorous - truly extraordinary woman - what a star - enduring commitment to all beautiful little creatures - loved your mother like she was my own mum -the end of an era - I never thought she would ever go - how did you get to be so lucky - you lost your best friend - spring will burst forth with more memories of Lily! Memorial will be private. Gifts in Lily B. Rices memory may be made to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, P.O. Box 419209, Boston, MA 02241-9209 or The Community House of Hamilton Wenham, 284 Bay Road, Hamilton, MA 01982. "Paddle Steadily"

Published by Chronicle & Transcript from Feb. 7 to Feb. 13, 2021.
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