Joan F. Rice

Joan was a lifelong New Bedford resident. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and worked in retail at the former Atlantic Mills and was a manager at Building 19 until her retirement. Joan enjoyed reading, music and was happiest when she was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children, Donna Haworth of Lakeville; Susan Hamel and her husband Randall of Longwood, FL; David Medeiros and his wife Robin of Clarks Summit, PA; a sister Ellen Milosek of East Freetown; 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and her good friends at the Casey Miller apartments that supported her during her illness. She was the mother in law of the late Carlton Haworth.

Joan is an anatomical donor for Boston University Medical School. Her arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the Spinal Bifida Association, 4590 Mac Arthur Blvd., NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007 or to the Lupus Foundation of New England, 40 Speen Street, Suite 205, Framingham, MA 01701. For tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com.