Geraldine R. Rice

Geraldine Snipas Rice, 80, of Equinunk, passed away at Wayne Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

Geri was born on July 19, 1942 in Wilkes Barre, PA and was the daughter of the late Alex and Mary (Oberaitis) Snipas.

She graduated from GAR High School and was an avid athlete playing basketball and field hockey and lettering in both sports.

During her high school years, she did volunteer work for the Luzerne County Federation of the Blind. She had a strong Roman Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rileyville.

Geri enjoyed gardening, fishing, bowling, and polka dancing. She and her husband were members of the Soaring Polka Association in Horseheads, NY.

She married Albert Rice in June of 1964 and joined Al in Europe where he was assigned by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Their first child, Steven, was born at the Paris American Hospital in Paris, France.

After returning from Europe, she was employed by K-Mart and from where she eventually retired.

Geri was a wonderful mother, wife and grandma. She was devoted to her son, Steven, daughter-in-law Vita Louise and daughter Krista. She adored granddaughters Vita Clarisse and Aubrianna. Geri was very close to her only sibling sister, Donna.

As a gardener, she loved all kinds of flowers and was especially proud of her apricot azaleas. During the summer, she enjoyed fresh tomatoes from the garden and could be found enjoying tomato sandwiches or BLTs several times a week. In the fall she could be found searching the woods for wild mushrooms (pudpinkis).

She also loved knitting and crocheting. Over the years, she made numerous afghans for her family and friends. She also made knitted skull caps for cancer patients and newborn babies as well as various knitted items for the homeless.

Her gentle nature and quick smile were her trademark. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

May she rest in the eternal peace of heaven.

Geri is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Albert Rice of Equinunk, PA;
Sister, Donna Tluczek of Equinunk, PA;
Son Steven Rice and Daughter-in-Law Vita of Apalachin, NY;
Daughter Krista Rice of Horseheads, NY;
Granddaughters Vita-Clarisse Rice of Salt Lake City, UT and Aubrianna Rice of Philadelphia, PA;
Nephew Darryl Tluczek and his Wife Dawn of Lancaster, PA;
Niece Dawn Marie Brooks and her Husband Glenn of West Chester, PA;
Special Friends Augie and Kathy Stile of Tyler Hill, PA;
John and Joane Johnson of Elmont, NY

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 7th at St. Joseph’s Church in Rileyville at 10 am. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org <http://www.lung.org>.