Joan Marie Rice
Joan Marie Rice (nee Voelker) Fortified with the Sacrament of Holy Mother Church, peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2022.
Beloved wife of the late John Leo Rice; loving mother of Michael Joseph Rice, foster parent to Amber & Katrina, sister of Chris Voelker (Judy Koen), Steve Voelker (Doris), Carol Amir-Fazli (Chris Gude), Mike Voelker, the late John S. and Paul (survived by Jeannie): beloved sister-in-law to Mary Ann Gravagna (Dennis), Patrick Rice, James Rice (Nora), Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Vincent Rice (Bridget), Virginia Henson (Bob), Leo Rice and Helen Boothe (Wayne), the late Mark Rice (Dina); niece, aunt, great aunt, “sister” of SFX College Church Choir, friend to all, and indomitable inspiration to many.
Born October 26, 1953, Joan graduated from the University of Missouri (Journalism 1976) and married John in 1978, in her home parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Clayton, MO. A marriage which spanned 36 years, Joan was devoted to her husband, son and foster children, extended family, and St. Francis Xavier College Church community, especially to her faith family: the College Church Choir. Her journalism degree was foundational to her professional progressions in newspaper reporting/features writing, non-profit public relations and grant writing. Life’s trials and litany of health hurdles could have left her embittered. It didn’t. Though near the end she was “sick & tired of being sick & tired”, Joan’s forbearing acceptance, resilience, humor, good nature, loving heart, and enduring faith were remarkable, and will be her “memoir”.
Services: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3628 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108, on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., with Visitation beforehand at 2:00 p.m. Immediately following Mass, a reception will be held downstairs, in the College Church Ballroom. All are welcome. Internment of Ashes: Resurrection Cemetery, Saturday, November 19, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are welcome and can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Francis Xavier College Church, or L’Arche St. Louis.
Sorry for your loss…Now she can rest in peace with John………..
I can hear her distinctive voice speaking with well measured words speaking with clarity and conviction as I look at her photo. She will be missed. Comfort to all who mourn her passing.
Bless you, Joan, for everything you did to help others. Sympathy to the family. Rest in Peace.
I heard much about you, years ago, when I worked with John. You were the amazing wife he loved very much. May you Rest In Peace together.
So very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. She certainly fought the good fight and now happily can experience the peaceful joy that awaits her. My heartfelt and deepest sympathy to her family and siblings. I always enjoyed talking with her at her Mother’s house.
I’m Eddie Mays Joan neighbor she was a very nice person everyday I seen her she would speak to me and I spoke back she was just a very nice person and I will miss her my heart goes out to her family
I will remember the good times, the hot tub parties on Joan and John’s back porch, their generosity in taking in foster children, her good heart and love for Michael and John. Rest In Peace, friend.
Pete & I will miss Joan very much. Both she and John were kind and caring people. We met at the Suburban Journals where I freelanced for her as a photographer covering everything from debutant balls to check presentations. Rest in peace with John, Joan.
Marilyn & I will miss Joan very much. She loved the city and her neighborhood and introduced us to many restaurants we would never have known about otherwise. She loved the Lord of the Rings sagas and Dr. Who, even giving us the boxed set of the Lord of the Rings movies. We’ll always remember her smile and her brave perseverance through her illness.
Wishing peace for the family who loved and love her still.
To Mary Ann and Archbishop Rice,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Joan and going to her Heavenly Home to be in the arms of the Blessed Trinity. May the Trinity keep you both and your family its care also.