Margaret Anne Rice

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Anne Rice.

Margaret Anne Rice, age 71, of Parsippany, NJ passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Margaret was born in Manhattan and was the oldest of five children to Francis and Marie Rice.  Margaret was known to those closest to her as “Peggy.”  Peggy’s family moved to Westfield, NJ when she was a young girl and resided there until she was twelve years old.  She also lived in Ridgewood and Butler, NJ.  As a young girl, Peggy attended Mary Help Christian Academy in North Haledon, NJ and graduated with the class of 1970.

Shortly after graduating high school, Peggy enrolled in the Holy Name Hospital Nursing Program located in Teaneck, NJ.  After about two years she earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  She found employment quickly at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ where she worked as an LPN for a number of years during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Peggy eventually left Valley hospital and accepted a position as a Home Health Aide through the Easterseals of NJ, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for people living with disabilities in the state of NJ.  This was work that Peggy was dedicated to and truly enjoyed.  During many of her years as a Home Health Aide, she lived in Lake Hiawatha, NJ until moving to Parsippany in 2021.

During her years residing in Lake Hiawatha, Peggy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 249 located just across the street from her home.  She took pride in helping military, veterans and their families. Peggy was always the first to volunteer for any activity especially going to the VA hospital to support the wounded Veterans.  Her good heart and energy will surely be missed.

Aside from all of Peggy’s interests and talents, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Peggy than spending time with her friends and family.  She was a truly devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and grandaunt.  Peggy was a giving and good-hearted person who was often selfless, putting the needs of others around her before her own.  Peggy will be forever remembered as a giving woman who touched the lives of many.

Peggy is survived by her brother Larry Rice and his wife Ginger of Raleigh, NC, her sister Elizabeth Rice of Highland Park, NJ, two nieces; Rebecca Rice of Annapolis, MD, and Claire Marie Schlesinger and her fiancé Jarrett Mack of Wantage, NJ, two nephews; Ryan Rice and his wife Dr. Erika Rice of Cary, NC, and Bill Schlesinger and his wife Kimberly of Denville, NJ, one grandniece Amelia Rice and another grandniece “on the way”, she is also survived by brother-in-law Joel Schlesinger of Vernon, NJ.  Peggy was predeceased by her brother Michael Rice, and by her sister Julia Rice.

In Lieu of flowers donations to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 249 be made in Peggy's honor, 91 North Beverwyck RD, Lake Hiawatha NJ 07034.