Carolyn Rice

Carolyn Abbs Rice, age 84, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Bridges Memory Care in Sudbury, Massachusetts after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Carolyn was born June 22, 1934 to Hilda (Davis) Abbs and Clifford Abbs in Bay City, Michigan. She grew up in West Branch, Michigan, where her early years included horseback riding, time at Abbs Hardware and meals at the Model Restaurant. After graduating from West Branch High School in 1952, she attended Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She married Gerald Richard “Dick” Rice of Rose City on August 17, 1958 in West Branch, Michigan. Dick’s career took them to Morristown (NJ), Farmington Hills, Saginaw, Clinton (NJ), Clarkston and Midland. Carolyn’s teaching career spanned their relocations and included many years at Southfield Lathrup High School in the 60’s and 70’s. During that time she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Dick and Carolyn retired to West Branch in the late 90’s. Carolyn was an amazingly devoted and loving grandmother, spending much of her time visiting her daughter Sandy and her family “out east” in Massachusetts. They were dedicated MSU Football Fans, holding season tickets for many years. Preparations for their elaborate game day tailgates started mid-week and many were welcomed to join in the festivities. Carolyn was active in her communities through the years, especially the West Branch High School Alumni Association and the Trinity Episcopal Church. She was a strong, vivacious woman who always worked with unparalleled energy and dedication.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Rob) Freund and her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Cliff and Evelyn of Concord, Massachusetts.

A Funeral Service for Carolyn will be held Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011 or online at alz.org/donate OR the West Branch High School Endowment Scholarship Fund ℅ North Central Michigan Community Foundation, 100 N. Ripley Street, Suite F, Alpena, MI 49707 or online at www.cfnem.org .