Audrey R Rice

Audrey Rose Rice, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on November 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on July 24, 1934, in Taylor, Pennsylvania,

Audrey was the daughter of Arthur and Gertrude Richards. Audrey’s early years were rooted in hard work, family, and strong values. While working as awaitress at Swingles Diner, she met the love of her life, Jerome “Jer” Michael Rice. With her striking red hair and fiery personality, Jer affectionately nicknamed her “Red,” a name that stayed with herthroughout her life. Married for 54 years, they built a beautiful life in Mountainside, New Jersey, raising five children and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Alongside her role as a devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her later years to eventcoordination, overseeing weddings at La Affaire in Mountainside and Snuffy's Pantagis Renaissancein Scotch Plains. Her touch brought beauty and meaning to every celebration.

Even in retirement, Audrey continued to pour love into her community. She proudly served as a Crossing Guard with the Summit Police Department for many years, where she greeted families and children until officially retiring in 2019.

Audrey’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a proud and active grandmother to 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the casino, where the slot machines were her go-to favorite. She also cherished playing cards with her friends, particularly Texas Hold ’Em, which brought out her fun, spirited competitive side.

She is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Gertrude Richards; her beloved husband, Jerome “Jer” Rice; her sister Gale; her brother Robert; her granddaughter Kellie Shimansky; and her great-granddaughter Hope Rice.

Audrey is survived by her five children: Joseph Nock, Karen Shimansky (John), James Rice (Barbara), John Rice, and Eileen Rice. She also leaves behind her siblings Gertrude “Sissy” Butch (Robert), Joyce Kiselosky, Ginger Kiselosky, Charlie Kiselosky (JoAnne), and James Richards (Nancy), along with countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Audrey lived her life with authenticity, humor, and heart - always “doing it her way.” Her legacy of love, strength, and family will continue to live on in all who knew her