Connie Money Rice

Connie Money Rice passed away April 21st in Southlake Texas…2 days shy of her 72nd birthday. She was born in Norwich, New York to Glenn and Margaret Money. Her rich ancestry runs back to Presidents John and John Quincy Adams. Connie is survived by her sons Scott and Chris, and her daughter Terri, as well as her sister Linda. Connie was known to all of us as very kind and an extremely generous person. She was also a strong person and her strength was evident during her long fight with diabetes as well as dementia. In the last few years, she lost her vision, the ability to walk, part of her hearing, and dementia started robbing her of her memories. During these last few years, she always remained grateful and never wanted attention focused on her problems. She was more concerned with how everyone else was doing. Connie began working right out of high school. She and Steven Rice, her husband of 20 years, worked hard to provide for us kids. Connie worked for a pharmaceutical company, a travel agency, and worked many years for NJ Malin. She also finished up her working years as a supervisor for the local suicide crisis hotline which helped countless people who were struggling with depression. She was passionate about helping battered women as well. Mom was a great listener and was a natural at putting others first. Everyone who worked with Connie always had great things to share with us about her, and almost always they’d mention her big smile, infectious laugh and kind heart…she was very giving. Eventually her diabetes shortened her work years. We learned a lot from our mother, mostly by example. We realize how important family is and we enjoy spending time with our parents, siblings and our own families. Mom helped us develop a strong work ethic. She worked most of her life, and did a fantastic job becoming self-sufficient especially after her divorce. She also helped us develop a love for others. Her faith in Christ never wavered. As she was nearing the end, she stated on several occasions she was ready for Jesus to take her home. We shared a prayer in her hospital room a few weeks ago which included part of Romans 10:9 “because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” We love our mom, and know she is walking the streets of gold right now. We wish we had more time together. We will cherish all of the great memories we had and will carry her values with us. We will see you soon dear mom. To honor her wishes, we will have a private family memorial where we will scatter her ashes into the ocean. We will share the exact time and date via email and Facebook so that you may have a moment of silence in her honor. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in her honor, please see the following link: www.gatehousegrapevine.com