Nancy L. Rice (Musica)

STOW - Nancy L. Rice (Musica), passed away peacefully on July 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 8, 1937, in Meadville, PA on her father's birthday, to Louis and Rose Musica.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie, whom she married on September 1, 1956, and they were married 56 years. She and Bernie helped establish St. Eugene's Church, in Cuyahoga Falls. They then moved to Stow, where she has been an active member at Holy Family Parish for over 55 years. She was Bernie’s care giver and prayer warrior for 16 years. It was through the power of prayer he stayed alive, and he thrived. She maintained a strong faith in God throughout her life, attending Mass daily until she could no longer do so.

Her love of numbers, attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills led her to a long career and many lasting relationships with co-workers until her retirement as an auditor, from the County of Summit. Nancy was loyal to her Italian heritage, but our dad called her "Irish.” She was as an active member of the Christ Child Society for over 50 years, serving as chairperson on various committees.

She was a ferocious reader who enjoyed biographies and was a master card player who loved a good game of euchre and a better game of bridge. She will miss her bridge groups, some of which she played in over 35 years, vacationing in Myrtle Beach, and traveling. Vegas was a favorite and she was the eminent party planner. She learned the difference between bikers and riders and shared Elvis's birthday.

She loved family gatherings and adored being accompanied to the Club on Friday nights by David and Ian, sleepovers with Olivia and Amelia, and Thursday night cocktails with Rita, and lazy Sunday afternoons at the lake with Julie and Anthony.

Through the years, she had taken great care of our families, so it was our privilege to take care of her. Our mom will be remembered by sharing an extra kindness, forgiving a hurt, and loving just a little more generously. She was a great friend, and we will miss her love, her sense of humor, and her remarkable courage. She taught us to forgive, and to be forgiven. She defined strength as the ability to forgive someone who isn't even sorry. To be kind and help those who do not have anyone to help them. To be patient with those you love, and those you don't. And eat dessert first because it is the best part of the meal. Her children were her greatest accomplishments. She was very proud that she and Bernie had helped their children with their educations and have successful careers, homes and families.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie; her son, Craig; parents, Louis and Rose Musica; her brothers, Anthony, Louis, and her sister, Marie. She is survived by her daughter, Jill Sweitzer (Bob), Stow; sons, Norman (Marsha), Munroe Falls; Brian (Cheryl), Thurmont, MD; daughter-in-law, Ruth Ann, Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren, David Sweitzer (Ian Schwochow), Julie Karam (Anthony), Olivia and Amelia Rice, Ian (Dustin) Rice-Jarred, Taylor Rice; nephew, William Groves, Ret. Col., and very special niece, Rita Bevington; sister, Ann Findlay, Meadville, PA, and sisters-in-law, Jeanne Johannesmeyer, Erie, PA, and Jean Rice, San Jose, CA, and many more nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3170 Kent Road, Stow, where friends may call from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. Live stream of the Mass will begin at 10 AM and can be found at the link below. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.

Live Streams | Holy Family Parish, Stow, Ohio (holyfamilystow.org)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary Club Stow-Munroe Falls, P.O. Box 1352, Stow, OH 44224, or the Christ Child Society of Akron, P.O. Box 5855, Akron, Ohio 44372.