Louise Rice of Kamloops, B.C. passed away peacefully on February 16, 2020, at 92 years of age.
Survived by her children Anthony Rice (Tricia Cook), Deirdre Rice and Daphne (Jeff) Willan, grandchildren Adam, Tara, Sean, Jamie, Liam and Christopher, sister Jean, and other relatives in Ireland. Predeceased in 2008 by her husband, Desmond Thomas Rice.
Louise was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she also completed her nursing training and obtained her midwifery certification. She then moved to London and worked as a flying squad midwife. Later she moved to Malaysia to practice nursing, which is where she met and married Desmond. Louise and Desmond, with Anthony, immigrated to Canada in 1958.
Louise will be remembered for her love of the outdoors and nature; as an avid birdwatcher and hiker; a talented seamstress and pianist; a kind and caring Mother and Nana; as well as for her very witty sense of humor.
We extend special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Pacific 1, at Ridgeview Lodge.
In keeping with Louise’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.
13 Tributes
A wonderful tribute to a great beauty. Our thoughts are with you all. Alf and Lois Williams.
I remember with great fondness a visit my mother Jean (the younger sister of Louie, as we always called her) and I paid to Kamloops in August 2007. Louie and Desmond hosted us very generously and it was great to have the chance to experience their good humour and love of British Columbia.
An absolute gem of a woman. I was one of Louises caregivers at Ridgeview. She had a great sense of humour!. This is so very true!. Although she disliked th hat I had a tattoo- she would say “well I’m not your mother so I suppose it’s no business of mine”. Then wink.
Thank you so much to Lousie’s wonderful family for providing her with beautiful clothing, and comfortable bedding. In her more lucid moments she very much appreciated dressing up. Looking her very best. And being warm!.
The staff always appreciated what a lady Louise was. And that we were treated so well by her family.
Sending my condolences,
Jess
l have fond memories of Louis we shared a lot of laughs and dinners together . Desmond and Louis were my neighbours in Kamloops for many years and when l moved they still came to visit us in Nanaimo and Vernon l do remember her nephew Rory and Louises sister coming from Ireland to visit . Sending my deepest sympathy to all the family Rest in Peace Louise your friend Anna Copeman
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. A very kind and accurate reflection of both Mom and Dad. Their generosity, sense of humour and love of BC’s outdoors.
Jess. Thank you so much for your condolences and this lovely story about Mom. So very kind of you to share it with us. The tattoo story is so very “Mom”!! We truly do appreciate the wonderful care that Mom received for so many years. Thank you did for all you did for her.
Dear Anna, Thank you so much for sharing your fond memories of Mom and Dad. And also for sharing your friendship with them for so many years.
Alf and Lois. Thank you for your kind words.
Tony,
We saw your Mom’s obituary in the Globe & Mail. Our sincere condolences to you and the whole family at this difficult time.
Kind Regards,
Doug Madsen and Jeanette Gallant
Doug and Jeanette,
Thank you for your kind words. I see a full month has gone by since you posted your message. I hope that both of you and your loved ones are safe and well. Sadly, three days after Louise’s passing Tricia became extremely ill and on March 19, 2020 lost her courageous 6 year battle with breast cancer at our Phoenix home. Since leaving Kamloops in mid February I have been in Phoenix and could be here for some time yet. I have a lot of time to remember travels with Louise and Desmond across BC, the United States and to “the colonies” including Bahamas and Australia. I also reflect on the wonderful times I had with Tricia, our boys and friends like you in amazing places like Vancouver, London and Hong Kong.
Tony Rice
Daphne, I had a dream about you last night so decided to search for you on-line. Saw a picutre of you, only to realize it was your mom! A spitting image. Two beautiful women that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing! I have such fond memories of both your parents. Your mom was always so friendly and easy going, yet “proper” in the kindest sense of the word. My deepest sympathies.
Louise Witt
Hello Louise! Thank you so much for your message and for your kind words. Your description of Mom is so lovely and true! This has brought back so many memories of our junior high years: our kitchen escapades at 511 under Mom’s supervision; treks to and from Sahali Junior; and many after school afternoons spent at both houses…following the rules of both Mom’s to a tee!! Hoping all is well with you. Thank you again for taking the time to send your condolences.