Agnes Rice
Agnes Rice peacefully passed away on Sept. 12 at the home of her daughter, after a 13-day illness.
She was born on Sept. 25, 1905 to Mary Jane Wilson and Sam Park of Kenmore. She was the last surviving member of a family of five, including Don Park, Della Park, Jean Steven and Emma Last.
Following the footsteps of her two sisters, she went to Ottawa Normal School and proceeded to teach for a few years prior to her marriage to Esbon Rice of Westport on Aug. 25, 1930.
Most of the next 53 years were lived with her husband on the Wilson homestead at Ormond. Her children were all raised there, including Russell, Betty, Lois, Marjorie, Margaret and Linda. In July 1957, a terrible tragedy claimed the life of her daughter, Lois McLaughlin. In March 1983, her husband passed away.
She was able to live alone for the next several years, until a small stroke forced her to move in with her daughter Linda, in November 1996. Although in failing health, her faith, strength and determination kept her alert, happy and walking, even after a broken hip.
She loved God, family, flowers, baking, gardening and visitors, especially the small children. She faithfully attended Ormond Baptist Church for many years, and was active in the church groups. Small in stature, but large in heart and strength, her life will forever be a legacy and a model for her descendants.
She is survived by Russell Rice of Lethbridge, Alberta; Betty (John) Dillabough of Brockville; Marjorie (Bill) McGrory of Brockville; Margaret (Hubert) Curran of Chesterville and Linda Skuce of Vernon. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The wake was held at Duncan Funeral Home in Metcalfe on Sept. 14. The Funeral was held in the funeral home chapel on Sept. 15 with Kathy Petrie officiating. Interment was at Ormond Cemetery. The pallbearers were her beloved grandsons, Arnold Dillabough, Larry Curran, Dan Dillabough, Barry Skuce, Ron Skuce and Scott Curran.