Mary Ellen Rice

After a long and beautiful life, Mary Ellen Rice went home to her Lord and to her husband of over 60 years on Sunday, January 26, 2025. As a wonderful and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she demonstrated what it means to be a faithful follower and servant of Jesus Christ. While our hearts mourn her loss, we are comforted by her reunion with Dave and to her home in Heaven.

Mary Ellen grew up in Washington, MO and graduated college at Northern Illinois University. She had a rewarding career as a homemaker while Dave started his career with State Farm Insurance, raising four rambunctious kids while attending college. She was a kindergarten teacher, specializing in teaching deaf children and other children with learning disabilities. After the family moved to Florida, she took up tennis and many artistic endeavors including enameling, jewelry making and pottery. She was an active member over the years at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, including the Columbiettes.

Mary Ellen was the loving mother of Michael (Debra), Victoria (William), Thomas and Patrick (Kathleen). She is also survived by 13 wonderful grandchildren and 11 beautiful great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her sister, Judy, her daughters-in-law, Annmarie and Pamela, and is survived by her brother, David, sister-in-law, Joan, and many nieces and nephews.

While there will be no visitation, donations in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice House, 5090 Dunn Rd., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34981 or St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 350 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on March 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Port St. Lucie, FL. Please visit and sign our guest register book at: www.aycockportstlucie.com