Obituary of Betty Louise Rice

Betty Louise Rice 
March 11, 1934  - April 13, 2025

^{It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Louise Rice, at the QEII Hospital on April 13th, 2025, at the age of 91.  Born in Halifax, NS, she was the eldest child of her late mother, Bernice Rice, and parents by heart, Richard Leahy (Pop), and Florence Leahy (Bon). Betty was predeceased by her brothers Donald Rice (Flo), and Gordon Rice; her sisters, Vivian Avery (Anslem), and Barbara Evans (Ralph).  She was also predeceased by her niece Cathy Mabie, nephew Brian Avery, great niece Hillary Welsh and great-great nephew Grayson Mackenzie.  Betty is survived by her nieces Paula Rice (Paul), Michele Avery, Lisa Walker (Jeff), Carrie Garand (Richard), Debra, Terry, Patricia, Tammy, Julie, and her nephew Darrell Evans (Christine), as well as many great nieces and nephews.} 

^{Betty presented herself to the world as polished and fancy; intelligent and very astute to world events; but to all of us, she was just “Aunt Betty” and she was very proud to be called that.  She will be dearly missed by all of us.}

^{Betty was proud of her long career at McDermotts Insurance as a private secretary and insurance agent until her retirement.  She was a very devoted, active parishioner at St. James Anglican Church, Halifax.  She played the organ, sang in the choir, worked for many years in the church office and was a volunteer on various committees. Her church family was very important to her and her church, St. James Anglican played a significant role in her life.}  

^{Betty lived a full life.  She was an avid musician, singing and playing various instruments with piano being her favorite.  She attended the Royal Conservatory of music, was a singer on The Sing Along Jubilee, a member of The Kingfishers (they even produced an album!), performed on the first Christmas Daddies Expo in 1967, and many other music events.}

^{Betty loved to travel with her friends on bus tours.  She travelled as far as Europe, toured many places in the US and Canada and visited every nook in the Atlantic Provinces.  She loved Sunday drives, treats, and taking the old road.  She would always say that the “journey was the best part of the trip”. She made wonderful memories and always had stories to tell.}

^{Betty is now in the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home; and as per her wishes, cremation has taken place.}

^{Reverend Katie Taylor Flynn will officiate a funeral service at St. James Anglican Church, Halifax on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00am.  Betty will be laid to rest with her parents at heart at St. John’s cemetery in Halifax, NS.}

^{Betty had a love for animals; therefore, it seems fitting, that In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bide-Awhile Animal Shelter.}