Helen Joan Malloy Rice

PORTLAND - Helen Joan Malloy Rice, a grace filled, simple, and elegant woman died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at St. Joseph's Residence and Rehabilitation Center, in the presence of her devoted family. She was born in Portland on January 29, 1921, a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Jennings) Malloy. She grew up on Munjoy Hill and attended Cathedral High School. She met C. Roy Rice at a USO dance and they were married on January 18, 1942, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Portland. They lived their lives with joy and laughter. Helen would whisper to each of her children at different times, "You are my favorite", and each child knew that they were very special to her. She continued this legacy of caring as a resident at St. Joseph's with all her friends and caregivers who called her, "The queen of the Manor". She was a volunteer at St. Joseph's Home and School Association, Cheverus Mother's Club, Woodford School for Special Needs, and St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen. She was a member of Opus Dei for forty years. The highlight of her life was her pilgrimage to Rome and Spain. All who met her commented on her beautiful presence and beauty and she would answer it was, "All for the honor and glory of God". "We love you dear mother; you will always be in our hearts". She is predeceased by her husband who died March 9, 2002. She is survived by three daughters, Pamela Mangan and her husband David of Naples, Florida, Vicki Booth and her husband Edwin of Portland, and Julie Rice of Portland; three sons, S. Roy Rice and his wife Charlotte of Portland, Robert Rice and his wife Viola of Portland, and Andrew Rice and his wife Tina of Bangor; three sisters, Mary Ingerowski and her husband Frank of Portland, Eileen Moore of Portland, and Beatrice Kijek of Ipswich, Massachusetts; 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorial donation may be made to Bayridge Residence, 395 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215 or St. Joseph's Residence and Rehabilitation Center, 1133, Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04103. The family wishes to thank Beacon Hospice and St. Joseph's Residence and Rehabilitation Center for their professionalism and the loving care provided to Helen. Visiting hours will be held 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Monday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited 10:15 am Tuesday, at the funeral home followed by an 11:00 am concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X, Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.