Obituary of Joan Dice

CHESHIRE-Joan T. Dice, 83 passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with breast cancer on January 9, 2012. She is survived and was surrounded by her 5 children and 15 grandchildren in the last months of her life: Kirk Dice (Polly, Kane, Dak, Elle) of Breckenridge CO, Dee Dice (Sienna, Louisa) of Florence, MA, Shelley Bauer and husband Pete (Luke, Haley) of Greenville SC, Deborah Cebry (James and wife Deborah, Hannah, Sarah, Eric) of Burlington CT, and Chip Dice and wife Bonnie (Greg, Jessi and Taylor) of Danbury CT. Joan also leaves her longtime companion Hank Toepke as well as numerous friends from neighbors, birders to red hats, bridge club and her beloved dog, Ginger. She also leaves Claudia Uribe and her family, an exchange student from Columbia who called her mom for many years. She is preceded in death by her sister Betty and brother in law George Rice and leaves behind her nephew Michael Rice of Colorado Springs CO. She was born January 27, 1928 in Sioux City, Iowa and went to State University of Iowa. In the 1950's she moved to New England and started her family. The main love of her life was raising her children. She had been employed by the YMCA, the Chapman School Library, The Duro Engineering Co and the Wepawaug-Flagg Credit Union. In her later years she was a member of Cheshire Junior Women's Club, TheCheshire Garden Club, American Field Service, the Cheshire Red Hat Society as well as numerous Bridge groups. She loved being active in her life and that included traveling, skiing, bird watching, gardening or simply being in nature. Joan was a loving mother and a loyal friend to all who touched her life. She was loved by all and will be missed by many. Her ashes will be brought to Martha's Vineyard, a place she loved. Arrangements- Calling hours for Joan will be held Saturday, January 14, 2011 from 1 to 3:30 P.M at The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410. A service for Joan will be held after calling hours have concluded at 3:30. Memorial donations in Joan's name may be made to the Outdoor Garden Space can be sent to: Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, St. Raphael's Hospital, 1450 Chapel St. New Haven, Ct 06511.