Joan Ann Rice

Joan A. (Paradise) Rice “Pony” “Nana”, 91, of Glen, NH passed away on January 27th, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, NH  surrounded by family due to complications from a stroke. 

Pony was born to Esther(Contois) Torosian and Armand Torosian in Millbury, MA on July 21st, 1931.  

She is survived by her daughters, Leslie(Rice)Bennett of Gorham, NH and Robin (Rice)Koczera and husband Mike Koczera of Nottingham, NH and her son Jeffrey Rice and Gina Collins of Bridgton, ME, and her daughter in law, Bobbi Jo Rice of SC.  She is predeceased by her son David Rice and grandson Roland Rice of Duncan, SC. She is also leaving behind her beloved grandchildren who brought her so much joy; Jamie Koczera and his wife Lisaellen Koczera of Merrimack,NH, Courtney Koczera of West Paris, ME, Jeffrey Bennett of Lee, NH, Andrew Bennett of Berlin, NH, Nick Rogers of Farmington,NH,  Joshua Rice of Salisbury, MA and Dawson Rice Rios and her husband Tony of Inman, SC. She was lucky enough to have two beautiful great-granddaughters, Isabelle and Chloe Eldridge as well as two  extra special  great-grandsons, Wyatt Koczera and Rafe Rios. She also leaves behind many cherished friends, especially her friend Mary Seavey!  She was loved by everyone who knew her. She loved so many in return.

Pony was very well known around the North Conway area where she was employed by Carroll Reed stores in the 1990s. She worked as the  office manager  at the Mount Washington Auto Road Glen House for many years. She loved working at special events there such as the Climb to the Clouds auto races up Mt. Washington. After she left the Auto Road she was employed by  Mt. Washington State Park at the concessions and gift shop on the summit of Mt Washington where she thrived, and LOVED the view everytime she  went up or down the mountain . Pony  volunteered for the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in the info booth and the Gibson Center for Senior Services where she remained active up to her death. 

One of her favorite events  was the Polar Express run by the  Conway Scenic Railroad. She was a chef who served hot chocolate to passengers to the North Pole during the Christmas season. She loved volunteering for the Festival of Trees, and so many other events in the valley.

Pony was a recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Mount Washington Valley. She was always on the go and would not miss an opportunity to be involved. 

There will be a funeral mass for Pony at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish at 2905 Mount Washington Hwy, North Conway on Thursday, February 16th at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name.

The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.

To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information go to: www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com