Agnes Helen (Narcie) Rice died Sept. 21 surrounded by family and friends at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She had fallen down a flight of stairs at her own home in February 2014, which she survived but was left with severe injuries that compromised her ability to regain her independence and full capacity to thrive.

She was born June 18, 1925 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the daughter of Edward and Helen Flaherty and sister of Paul Woods. She was married to George Emerson Rice and was the beloved mother of Joan Ella Rice and Edward (Ned) Emerson Rice, mother in law of Daniel Grant McCarthy, and grandmother to Ashleigh Ella McCarthy, Grant Emerson McCarthy, Maeve Abigail Rice, Charles Edward Rice, and Hailee Joan McCarthy. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Ashleigh and her loving husband George.

Narcie was a well-known member of the Vineyard community. She grew up in Vineyard Haven, where her father was the chief of police. She graduated from Tisbury High School and worked for many years as a switch board operator for the telephone company. When her children were in high school and off to college, she began working at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital as a receptionist in the emergency room. She was well-known and respected as a confidant and friend to many generations of Vineyarders.

Her family meant to the world to her. She was always planning and looking forward to family dinners and holidays. She was happiest when all of her extended family visited. She loved the beach, often bringing her lunch and meeting her friends. She loved to swim and loved the summer and all of the visitors and activities, knowing it would be a long, quiet winter.

Narcie lived her life to the fullest. She was fiercely independent, driving her red Jeep to pick up friends for lunch at the Black Dog Cafe and many other favorite spots. Every day she could be found going to the post office, getting her paper at Cumby’s, and shopping at Cronig’s. She was an avid reader and loved music and going to the movies and all the traditional Vineyard events. She kept her home impeccably clean, with flowers and snacks always ready for family and friends. Her advice and counsel was sought and appreciated. She was always available to give friends and family a ride or pick them up from an appointment or at the boat Her family wasn’t sure how she had so much energy. She watched the news and the late night shows before she went to bed, and then read until one in the morning!

Her family wants to thank her caregivers, nurses and doctors at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital for their care, love, support, and understanding.

Donations in her memory can be made to American Legion Post #257, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568, or Animal Health Care Associates, 20 Airport Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575.