Mary Jeanne Rice

Mary Jeanne Rice, 91, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Peaks Care Center in Longmont, CO. She was born November 29, 1932 in Clinton, Iowa to Louis and Bertha Lonergan. Mary graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Clinton, IA in 1950. She then graduated from St. Ambrose College, Division of Nursing, Davenport, IA in 1953. In 1955 she married Alan D. Rice. Her 54 year nursing career included positions in Colorado, Germany, Ohio, and in 1972, she, her husband Alan and two daughters moved to Englewood, CO where she remained. She worked as an RN at Swedish Hospital and then at Aurora Community Hospital (Humana). While employed at Aurora Community, she received the Humana Western Region Nursing Excellence Award in 1980. She completed her outstanding nursing career retiring from Orchard Park Health Care Center, Centennial.

Mary was a long time member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial and was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary. She is survived by her daughter Liz (Beth) Brungardt (Mark), Mankato, MN; her grandchildren Christopher Rice (Sarah), Laramie, WY; Joe Hartsoe (Andrew), Houston, TX; Mikala Sexson, Mankato, MN; Golden Brungardt (Kinsey), Laramie, WY; Billie Brungardt, Denver, CO and her great grandchildren Benjamin and Lane Rice, Silver Brungardt and Ruby Ann Cross. Mary is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Louis & Bertha Lonergan, her husband, Alan, daughter Carolyn Wardell as well as her brother Robert Lonergan and her sisters Bernice Hansen, Mildred Reimers, Gertrude Krajnovich and Jackie Dunk. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Centennial, CO, Boys Town, NE or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Liz (Beth) Brungardt, 1901 Sunray Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001.