Agnes Helen (“Narcie”) Rice died Sept. 21, 2015, surrounded by family and friends at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She had fallen down a flight of stairs in her home on Feb. 3, 2014, and survived, but was left with severe injuries that compromised her ability to regain her independence and full capacity to thrive.
Narcie was born on June 18, 1925, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was the daughter of Edward and Helen Flaherty, and sister to Paul Woods. She was married to George Emerson Rice, and was the beloved mother of Joan Ella Rice, mother-in-law to Daniel Grant McCarthy, mother of Edward (Ned) Emerson Rice, and grandmother to Ashleigh Ella McCarthy, Grant Emerson McCarthy, Maeve Abigail Rice, Charles Edward Rice, and Hailee Joan McCarthy. She was predeceased by Ashleigh and by her loving husband George.
Narcie was a well-known member of the Vineyard community. She grew up in Vineyard Haven, where her father was the chief of police. She graduated from Tisbury High School, and worked for many years as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. When her children were in high school and off to college, she began working at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital as a receptionist in the emergency room. She was well-known and respected as a confidant and friend to many generations of Vineyarders.
Her family meant the world to her, always planning and looking forward to family dinners and holidays. She was happiest when all of her extended family visited. She loved the beach, often bringing her lunch and meeting her friends. She loved to swim, loved the summer and all of the visitors and activities, knowing it would be a long, quiet winter.
Narcie lived her life to the fullest. She was fiercely independent, driving her red Jeep to pick up friends for lunch at the Black Dog Cafe and many other favorite spots. Daily she could be found going to the Post Office, getting her paper at Cumby’s, and shopping at Cronig’s. She was an avid reader, and loved music, going to the movies, and all the traditional Vineyard events. She kept her home impeccably clean, with flowers and snacks always ready for family and friends. Her advice and counsel were sought and appreciated. She was always available to give friends and family a ride, or pick them up from an appointment or at the boat. We weren’t sure how she had so much energy. She watched the news and the late-night shows before she went to bed, and then read until 1 in the morning!
We want to thank her caregivers, nurses, and doctors at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for their care, love, support, and understanding.
Donations in Narcie’s memory may be made to American Legion Post #257, Martha’s Vineyard; Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard; and Animal Health Care, at the airport.
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