Beverly…..

Mary A. (McCarthy) Rice, age 78, of Beverly, former wife of the late Robert C. Rice, died, Tuesday March 8, 2011 in Beverly Hospital.

Born in Boston the daughter of the late Richard James and Helen (Quinn) McCarthy, she was raised in Salem. Mrs. Rice had attended Salem schools until her father died and her mom went to work. Mary began helping to care for the family and household needs. Mrs. Rice later was employed in the local leather shops and had retired from private duty nursing at the JRC Nursing Home in Swampscott.

Her caring and loving nature for people shone through in all she did and was exemplified in the foster care she provided for children. So profound were her efforts, and ability to give others the shirt off of her back, that Mrs. Rice had been recognized as "Foster Mother of the Year"

She is survived by three children, Donna Rice of Beverly, Diane Kummel of Derry, NH and Robin Rice of Beverly; a sister Elizabeth McCarthy of Ocala, FL; four grandchildren Ashley and William Andrews, Jennifer Kummel and Kevin Rice and four great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by two brothers Richard and John McCarthy.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011 in the Beverly Elks Lodge, 39 Bow St, Beverly, MA Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 ,Alexandria, VA 22312. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.