Obituaries

Helen Annie Patricia Rice

September 02, 1944 - November 07, 2021

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Obituary For Helen Annie Patricia Rice

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen A. Rice, on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the age of 77 years. She was a resident of Grande Prairie, AB, for over 50 years.

Helen was a friend and mentor to many, with a long history on Grande Prairie City Council and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

Helen is survived by her loving children: Lisa Meyer (widowed) and her children Garret Meyer and Natalie Meyer; Debbie Jacobsen (Brian) and their children Kirsten Janele and Andrew Jacobsen; Russell Rice (Andrea) and their daughter Anika Rice; she also leaves behind two nieces and a nephew.

Helen was predeceased by her grandparents James and Margaret Jane Middleton, and Elmer Murdoch; father James Middleton; mother Stella Middleton; sister Marjorie Stevenson; her divorced spouse Kenneth Rice; as well as son in-law Peter Meyer.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 3:00pm at Bonnett’s Energy Centre in Grande Prairie (10017 99 Ave.).

Exemption protocols in effect. Must wear masks, as well as present proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid test.

A live stream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Helen’s obituary located on the Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

The family is forever grateful for the wonderful care provided by the caring staff at the Grande Prairie Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Helen A. Rice may be made to Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society (#204, 10134 97 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7X6), or to a charity of one’s choice in the memory of Helen A. Rice.

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24 Nov

Funeral Service

03:00 PM

Bonnett’s Energy Centre 10017 99 Ave Grande Prairie, AB Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • November 25, 2021

    The board, members, and staff of Alberta Municipalities (formerly AUMA) are deeply saddened by the loss of Helen two weeks ago. Our thoughts are with Helen's family and her countless friends in Grande Prairie, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. Helen was an innovator, a mentor, a leader, an advocate, and an inspiration to several generations of elected officials, administrators and downtown business owners in Grande Prairie. She deeply cherished the partnerships, enduring friendships, and personal connections she made wherever she went. She made lasting impressions on everyone she met. Helen was a valued contributor to several of our association's committees and served with distinction as President from 2013 to 2015. Those of us who were privileged to work closely with her at Alberta Municipalities remember her for her razor-sharp intellect, warmth, well-developed sense of humour, "get it done" attitude, and tireless devotion to Albertans. Helen will be sorely missed.

  • November 23, 2021

    To Helen's Memory and her children: Lisa, Debbie and Russel LIFE IS A HAPPINESS THAT COMES FROM FRIENDS, MEMORIES AND WONDERFUL SURPRISES. MY LIFE HAS BEEN TRULY BLESSED BY HAVING A FRIEND LIKE HELEN. TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE. LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN EARSE. TRISH ROBERTSON-HANSEN. Friends since 1972

  • November 21, 2021

    Helen was one of the first people I met when my wife and I moved to Grande Prairie in 1983. Always helpful, always determined. A force of nature. She will be missed as much as she was loved. My deepest sympathies to her family.

  • November 20, 2021

    To Lisa, Debbie Russel LIFE IS A HAPPINESS THAT COMES FRIENDS, MEMORIES AND WONDERFUL SURPRISES. MY LUFE IS TRULY BLESSED BY HAVING A DEAR FRIEND LIKE YOUR DEAR MOM. "TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE, LOVE ❤️ LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL" WiITH LOVE & SYMPATHY : TRISH ROBERTSON-HANSEN

  • November 19, 2021

    My deepest condolences to Helen's family. I cannot believe she is gone. She was a gem, always a bundle of energy and intelligence, and fun to be around. While I haven't seen Helen for a few years , she was one of those people you knew you could pick up with right where you left off. Helen was a good citizen, who served her community and province in a way very much to be admired. She was so very helpful and kind to me when I first met her as a young journalist in the late 70s. I hope you take comfort in knowing she was more than admired, she was much loved by many.

  • November 19, 2021

    How do you begin to reflect back on a woman who impacted so many people places and events. I believe 90 percent of my adult adventures involved Helen. How could I ever forget attending the Emerald Awards and then having to smuggle chocolate covered strawberries and gran mariner in my purse as we were going to enjoy them later. Watching her gold pan in Taylor BC, spending many many nights playing the horse race game or dice game and laughing till we could no longer laugh. My life certainly is better because Helen was a part of it. Please cherish the memories as I know I will. She was a special lady and will be missed by so many. Holding all her family in my thoughts and prayers.

  • November 18, 2021

    As President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, I got to meet Helen on several occasions. To sit and talk about issues which quickly turned into how are the kids and grandkids and life in general. You quickly got the feeling that she was real, genuine, and one of a kind. Her interests and passion in her community was readily recognized. I enjoyed her direct analysis of any issue, which ended in a smile and a laugh. She was a remarkable women and will be truly missed by everyone. Thank you Helen for being you.

  • November 18, 2021

    In addition to all of the noted attributes of Helen's, including her contributions to our community, I would like to add about Helen's incredible zest for life. Helen was always looking for the next fun adventure and would do so with such enthusiasm and excitement. Many of my memorable adventures were because of Helen. From competing in the Great Grape Stomp in Kelowna to attending the Craven Musical Festival, it was always fun being with her. Helen's enthusiasm even extended to her searching for the latest card or board game to play. One of the last board games I remember playing with her, involved her climbing under the kitchen table with a sticky note on her forehead because that was part of the game. Helen loved life and lived her life to the fullest. I feel beyond fortunate that I knew Helen and got to spend time with her as she definitely enriched my life. There is only one Helen Rice, and she will be missed by so many. My sincerest condolences are extended to all of Helen's family.

  • November 18, 2021

    Condolences to Lisa, Debbie, Russ and families. Helen touched many lives over the years, including mine. She will always be remembered!

  • November 18, 2021

    I meet Helen when I was a very young girl.. She helped me out in so many ways .... She was my rock showed me how to be strong .... My condolences to her family we lost a wonderful . a freind when u needed to talk she was always there to Liston RIP my beautiful freind gone but never forgotten 💔💔🙏

  • November 17, 2021

    I'm very sorry to read of Helen's passing. I enjoyed being on Boards with Helen and always appreciated her candor and pragmatic approach. Helen is a person you will always remember. Condolences to Helen's family and many close friends. Ross Risvold

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