Suddenly and so unexpectedly, Gail Doreen Rice passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the age of 54 years.
She is left to be lovingly remembered by her sister Darlene Rice Doty (Gene), family David (Kaley), Montana (Jamie), Preston, Sharlin, Jenine (Wes); brother Aubrey Rice (Jolene), family Brett (Anna-Lisa), Everette, Danielle; aunt Ada Adams, cousins Dave Adams and Doug Adams; half-bother Ron Kuik (Connie) Candice, Dustin, Aynsley, Shania; half-sister-in-law Bonnie Kuik; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, work family, friends, and acquaintances.
She was predeceased by her parents Helen and Alvin Rice; uncle Jim Conroy; uncle Jack Adams; grandparents Annie and Art Conroy; and grandparents Nellie and Jack Rice.
Gail was born in Winnipeg and grew up on the family farm in the Oakland district. She attended Yellowquill School and then Portage Collegiate Institute. She attained several courses and training certificates during her time of employment. After graduating from high school, she started work at The Portage Mutual Insurance Company and was there for fifteen years, holding several different positions. She made numerous close friends while working there, friends that she still had to this day. From there she worked for a short time at Bowes Trailer court, then Mil-Jeanne Flowers where she loved the people and gained more friendships, then Gail-Lyn’s Fashion, The Midtown Motor Inn, Taylor Brothers, Portage Family Abuse Prevention Center and finally at Sandy Bay Child and Family Services, where she absolutely loved helping co-worker family, adults and children. It was what she truly loved to do.
Although she did not have children of her own, she was forever keeping in touch with her friend’s children, nephews and nieces. She checked on each of them in her own unique way.
Her three dogs were her “Kids”. They were treated like kings and queens, whether it was playing ball, “car-car” rides, treats or sitting watching TV. They in turn loved her dearly.
Gail moved back to the Family Farm or ”Home”, where she resided until her passing. Oakland was her home, her family community, her roots. She was an artist with an eye for so many things. She started sketching at a young age, moved on to painting, pottery, photography, decorating and collecting. She loved nature and that was evident in her photos and artwork. Her home and yard were truly her. Decorated with old and new, so very welcoming, warm and comfortable. She’d say, “This is who I am”.
She kept in touch with those that meant the most to her, her “people”, through social media, texts and calls. She loved to joke and her daily inspirational quotes were read by many. She will be deeply missed by so many people.
But none more than her sister Darlene or “her Sissy”. They had a connection like no other. Always there for each other. They were each other’s lifeline and rock. There were daily calls, visits and drives (including road snacks). Family was important to Gail.
Her untimely leaving has left a huge hole in so many people’s lives, but she will continue to live on in each person whose life she touched.
We were all truly blessed to have her here with us.
A private service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 1:00pm. The service will also be live streamed to register and view, visit Gail’s obituary page on our website. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Gail’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com