Carol A. (Shippee) Rice

CHARLEMONT -  Carol Anne (Shippee) Rice, 77 of Legate Hill Road passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday February 20, 2025.

She was born On May 11, 1947, she was the youngest of 7siblings and the daughter of Winifred (Decker) and Bernard H. Shippee of Buckland.  She married David (Cy) S. Rice Jr. on May 16, 1970 at which time they purchased their home in Charlemont.  They were married for almost 55 years. 

She enjoyed knitting, gardening, cooking, dancing, singing, time with her family, and caring for everybody. 

Carol was a housewife while raising her children and started working for Avery’s General Store in Charlemont in 1984 for many years.  She was also the town tax collector for many years.  Then she became a Certified Nursing Assistant at Buckley Nursing Home in Greenfield, MA for several years before becoming a Home Health Aide up until her cancer diagnosis. 

She was predeceased by many family members to include brothers Bernard L. Shippee of New York; John Shippee of Shelburne; Robert Shippee of Greenfield; and sisters Arlene Willard of Maine; Judith Tetrault of Buckland; a son David Thayer at 9 months; and several nieces and nephews.

Carol is survived by her husband of 54 years, David S. Rice, her children George W. Thayer Jr., Stephen W. Thayer, Sheila Ricko, and Christopher Rice; her grandchildren David Thayer, and Scott (Jacquline) Thayer, Amanda Beauchesne, Logan and Morgan Ricko; and one great grandson Caden Demers Beauchesne; and her brother Alan Shippee of Ashfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for Carol will be held at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, MA on Saturday, March 1, 2025; 1 to 4pm.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. 

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