Lynne J. Rice

WINCHENDON – Lynne J. (Linden) Rice, 80, formerly of Winchendon, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, November 14, 2020 at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

"Your wings were ready ... our hearts were not."

She was born in Gardner on September 26, 1940, daughter of the late Toivo and Elsa (Blom) Linden and was a graduate of Gardner High School and Fitchburg State College.  She was a resident of Winchendon since 1961 and had resided in Baldwinville for the past year.

Lynne was an elementary school teacher at Waterford Street School in Gardner many years ago until raising her family.  She later returned to school, began a second career as a nurse after graduating from the former Fanning Trade School.  Lynne worked at several area nursing homes and later did private nursing care.

Lynne was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion Auxiliary and loved to read, work on crossword puzzles and art work.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family.

Her husband of 43 years, John “Jack” Rice, died in 2004.  She leaves four children, Lindy D.  Rice and his partner Annie of KY, Dawn Machonis and her husband John of Winchendon, Laura E. Rice of Bolton and Jonathan K. Rice and his wife Angele of Bath, ME; five grandchildren, Crystal, Joshua, Jordan, Emilie and John, and four great grandchildren, Dominic,  Iris, Emmit and Jax. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.  Her sister, Lois Belair, of Essex Junction, VT, passed away in April.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to PBS, 268 Mast Road, Durham, NH 03824.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com