Obituary of Mary Jane Rice

Mary Jane (Dillon) Rice, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2023.

Mary Jane was born in Newcomb, NY on August 3, 1928, the daughter of the late Edward and Rose Ellen (Ryan) Dillon.  She grew up and attended school in Newcomb and went on to graduate from Plattsburgh State (‘49) with a Degree in Home Economics .She began her career teaching in Newcomb and later retired after 25 years of service at the Albany County Cooperative Extension, many as Program Director.   

Mary Jane's strong faith led her to volunteer in many organizations including St. John’s-St. Anne’s Welcome Table meal program and their Food Pantry, St. Mary’s large thrift shop, Salvation  Army Women’s Auxiliary, and Catholic Charities, where she received a Senior Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Caregiving.  Mary Jane was also a staunch advocate for Persons with Disabilities, the Center for Disability Services, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Program

Mary Jane deeply loved her entire family and friends.  She always made time and was willing to chat, listen, guide, advise, or help in her wonderful, caring way.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her loving husband Clifford (2001), her son Timothy (2022), her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Anne Dillon, and brother-in-law, Peter Bush.  She is survived by her sons, Steven and David; her cherished granddaughters, Nicole Lessard (Kyle) and Katharine Ganley (Michael) and great granddaughter, Scarlet; her sister Anne Bush; brother, Roger Dillon (Marilyn); many wonderful nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friends, Margie Witheral and Olga Swick.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11 am Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

The family encourages donations in Mary Jane's memory to the Center for Disability Services or The Mr. Mo Project Rescue or the Pack Ethic Rescue.