Nancy Garnaus Rice

nancy rice
Nancy Garnaus Rice, 93, passed away on January 7, 2022 in Reston, Virginia. She moved to Reston in April 2021 from Summit, New Jersey where she lived for 64 years. Nancy was born on July 24, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York and raised in New York City by Beatrice Scarborough Garnaus and John Garnaus, and she remained a loyal New Yorker for the rest of her life. Following graduation from Wheelock College in 1950, she taught elementary school until shortly after her marriage to Charles Francis Rice in 1953.

Nancy is survived by her children Catherine Rice Gorrell (Warren), John Rice (Cammie) and David Rice (Ramona), along with 8 grandchildren (Sarah (Akshay), Courtney (Troy), Michael (Lauren), Tanner (Meghan), Steve (Lauren), Chase (Tori), Lucy (Jeremy) and Tyler (Kyara)), 7 great grandchildren (Tara, Karina, Hadley, Bodhi, Isla, Colin, and Myles), 8 dogs and 3 cats. When it came to her children, there was nothing impartial about Nancy, who was the quintessential “no fault” mother. We will miss everything about her, except the frozen fish sticks and TV dinners on Friday nights. Nancy was happiest when she knew that everyone in her family was happy and healthy, doing what they wanted to be doing. She launched our many family gatherings at The Creek (Irvington, VA), the Outer Banks (NC) and Lake Burton (GA) by asking “Isn’t this wonderful?”. . . and it was. For Nancy, the planning, execution, and journey were as enjoyable as the destination.

Nancy returned to substitute teaching when her children were grown and was active in the hospice program at Overlook Hospital for many years. Calvary Episcopal Church (Summit, NJ) was Nancy’s spiritual foundation for 64 years, particularly after Charlie’s passing in 2009. In addition to organizing senior lunches, she was a member of the vestry and served on the Altar Guild at Calvary. Her later years were filled by keeping up with her expansive network of family and friends and she never turned down an invitation to join anyone who asked for breakfast, lunch or dinner -- wherever they chose to eat, she was always happy to go.

We are grateful to the staff at The Kensington Reston for Nancy’s care in Virginia and for all those who helped her remain in Summit for so many years. Although we miss her dearly, we take great comfort in her reunion with Charlie. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy’s memory can be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Ave, Summit NJ 07901 (c/o Matt Potter), where she will be laid to rest following a service in the spring.

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