Erin Rice, 1982–2026, whose ‘greatest gifts’ were ’empathy and compassion’

Erin Elizabeth Rice, beloved wife, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 43.

Born on Jun. 20, 1982, in Riverside, California, Erin was the oldest daughter of John and Kathy (Hursh) Rice. Growing up in a military family, she got to see more of the world than most kids her age, with the family living in California, Germany and Maine before settling in Massachusetts. By fifth grade, Massachusetts had become home, and it is where she spent her formative years. Erin graduated from Nashoba Regional High School and went on to UMass Amherst, where she earned her undergraduate degree in sociology. She later earned a master’s degree in women’s studies from Suffolk University. Following in the footsteps of her parents, both Air Force veterans, she became a lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Erin was a voracious reader who loved animals of all kinds, especially her cats, Annabelle and Jezebel, as well as her parrot Paco. She was a kind and thoughtful wife, daughter, sister and friend, often showing it through her fantastic ability to pick out just the right gift for each person on every occasion. Erin’s greatest gifts to the world were her empathy and compassion, qualities that shaped her life and the way she cared for people and animals equally. In that same spirit of generosity, she was an organ donor, offering hope and life to others even beyond her own.

Erin is survived by her husband, Greg Hanna of Waltham; her parents, John and Kathy Rice; her siblings, Brittany Gamber, Ashley Winters and her husband Chris, and Johnny Rice, all of Whitman; as well as her niece, nephews and countless friends.

Friends and family will honor and remember Erin’s life by gathering at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St., Waltham, on Saturday, Jan. 31 for a celebration of life starting with a visitation from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and followed by the sharing of memories at 2 p.m.