Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Rice, 73, of Huntley, died September 23, 2020
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Visitation will also be from 9-10am on Wednesday at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Kathy's name at the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford. Address: 711 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103. www.discoverycentermuseum.org
Kathy was born October 14, 1946 in Harvey, Illinois the daughter of Norton and Helen Echle. On January 18, 1969 at St. Mary Church in Crown Point, Indiana, she married James Rice. Early on she taught 4th grade and later became a volunteer with the Discovery Center Children’s Museum in Rockford, Illinois, and continued to be an important part of the museum. She and Jim were active members of the Sun City Theater Co. and Kathy managed to do every behind the scenes job. She enjoyed sewing, reading and playing bridge. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren no matter what they were doing. She was a fierce fighter, great organizer and amazing woman, she would give you the shirt off her back and will be missed by all who knew her.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim Rice, her children, Amy Rice, Jeff (Christine) Rice, Joanna Schindler, by her grandchildren, Aidan, Andrew and Caleigh. By her brothers, Kelly (Mary Ellen) Echle, Jim Echle, sisters, Trish (Chip) Coleman, Mary Ann (John) Pimentel and by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Michiyo Echle.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may be prompted to allow DefioreFuneral access to your camera.
We have so many memories of being with Kathy and Jim at mass at St. Mary and dinner afterward; with her in the Theater Company selling tickets for performances and building sets; and going on cruises together and even staying with them in their Florida condo. We enjoyed so many good times together laughing and sharing stories. I will miss our breakfasts, lunches and dinners and just being around Kathy for a drink on the patio. God has a special place for you Kathy. Love you so much.
There are no words. She will be greatly missed. My alter ego has died. She was always there for me and I was there for her.There are many great memories to help you through this. Gregg and I send our love to all of you. She will live in our hearts forever.
We will miss her smile and personality. She was both strong-willed on her costuming and the best supporter of Jim for the Theatre Club set back drops. Our condolences to Jim and their family.
This just breaks our hearts. Even though we live far away in Texas now we will miss her presence on this Earth. We shared vacations with the kids, playing bridge, getting to know the German couple (Kurt and Elisabeth) and just social get togethers. She was a real trouper and her warm smile made everything better. She was our wonderful friend. Much love to Jim, Amy, Jeff, and Joanna.
Dear Cousins, Caleb and I send our sincere condolences to all of you. Kathy's love of family and enjoyment of life shone from her. She will be remembered and missed by so many people. We are not traveling now because of the virus and so will not be at the service, but we hold you close in our hearts. May your memories of happier days bring you comfort.
Jean and I are very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Kathy’s positive attitude and courage. Although we are not able to attend services for health reasons, our hearts will be with you.
I am so saddened to hear about Kathy’s passing. I actually looked forward to business trips because I knew that I would see her and Jim. Even with her many health battles she managed to stay active, friendly and giving. She was such a joy.
Kathy was always smiling, and one would never know she was in any pain. She never spoke bad about anybody. A very honest and trustworthy friend. She will be missed by many. Our hearts go out to the family.
Kathy was so very fun to be with. Our lunches and shopping time was so much fun. I never heard her complain. She was a true friend to me and she will greatly missed!
We have so many memories of Kathy while cruising with her and Jim. We became good cruise buddies, and had planned on cruising Alaska together this past July, which was cancelled due to COVID. A few days before she went into the hospital, we were enjoying dinner together and talking about our 2021 cruise to Alaska. We enjoyed time on their patio this summer, and time eating out together. We will miss her, but know she's in a better place now, no more suffering. We'll surround Jim with all the love and support we can. He knows he's got a bottle of Dewars here with his name on it, so when he doesn't want to drink alone, he can walk in here at any time. Kathy talked a lot about her kids, and especially her grandkids when we were together. Our deepest sympathies to Jim and all of her family.
I knew Kathy from sharing a water aerobics class in Sun City. She was always fun to be with. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Kathy is very dear to our hearts. She was always supportive of use both. Always smiling and happy. Our lives have truly been blessed to have had Kathy in it. She will always have a place in our hearts as will Jim.
There are no words. She will be greatly missed. My alter ego has died. She was always there for me and I was there for her.There are many great memories to help you through this. Gregg and I send our love to all of you. She will live in our hearts forever.
so sorry to lose Kathy so young
Cousins - Ron and I and the kids were so saddened to hear the news about Kathy. We have such wonderful memories of her kind friendly spirit always welcoming others into the fray while sharing stories. We will miss her keen bocce skills, always giving a competitive fight as we joked and laughed together. She will hold a special place in our heart and we will remember her with fondness and smiles. Love and hugs to all of you.
Aside from Kathy's involvement in the Theatre Company, I was most touched and impressed by her tenderness and care in talking with me about my wife, Donna, who has memory challenges. She was a great reflection of the saying that people may forget something you say, but they'll always remember how they felt around you.
I first met Kathy when I became part of the Theatre Company of Sun City in 2007. She was a dear lady who handled everything with a touch of class and grace. She will be sorely missed by many.
I met Kathy through the Theatre Company of Sun City. She had an indefatigable spirit and was a joy to know. I will miss her graciousness and generosity. My condolences to her family.
Jim, we are all saddened to hear of your wife's passing. Although we did not know her, the words written to describe her life certainly paint a picture of someone who will be deeply missed. Please know we are thinking of you and your family as your grieve for Kathy.
I'm sorry for your loss Amy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let us know if you need anything.
Our hearts are sad for you Jim, Amy, Jeff and Joanna. The first thing that Gary said when told of the news was “Oh, I remember her beautiful smile”. We both have great memories of The Happening at Holy Family - the Ice Cream Parlor and Nick’s Gyros Restaurant - both big hits. Kathy’s contribution to Junior League and the Discovery Center was significant. Kathy, you’ll always be remembered by your friends in Rockford.
Dear Jim and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a truly wonderful woman. She had a brilliant mind and a beautiful soul. We feel so blessed to have known her and will miss her terribly. We pray that God can comfort you in this time of sorrow. Take care.
I knew Kathy from sharing a water aerobics class in Sun City. She was always fun to be with. She will be missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. I went to high school with Kathy and was good friends with her during our high school years. We met in Chicago a few years ago for lunch, I’m so happy that we got together. My condolences to her husband , Jim and her children and grandchildren. Also to Kelly, Jim, Trish and Mary Ann
Kathy is very dear to our hearts. She was always supportive of use both. Always smiling and happy. Our lives have truly been blessed to have had Kathy in it. She will always have a place in our hearts as will Jim.
Jim, You have my sincere sympathy at the loss of your beautiful wife. May God bless her and hold you and your family in the palm of His hand.
Jim, You have my sincere sympathy at the loss of your beautiful wife. May God bless her and hold you and your family in the palm of His hand.
There are no words. She will be greatly missed. My alter ego has died. She was always there for me and I was there for her.There are many great memories to help you through this. Gregg and I send our love to all of you. She will live in our hearts forever.