Obituary: Annette Joan Rice, 73, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Annette Joan Rice, 73, of Wallingford, passed away suddenly on December 16, 2022.

She was born in New Haven on May 8, 1949, a daughter of the late Arnold and Joan (Hotchkiss) Gange.

Annette was passionate about her family and could always be counted on to be there giving her all whenever anyone needed her. She never said no to a family gathering and cherished every memory made with those she loved.

Annette had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was often in her kitchen cooking something special for her family and found great joy in sharing this passion with others. Annette enjoyed shopping and found great satisfaction with getting the best deals possible on every item she purchased. She had a keen sense of fashion and even keener knack for couponing.

Annette adored her grandchildren more than anything in life! She spent as much time as possible with them building memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. She was always grateful to be with her grandchildren and always had a smile on her face. She made everything special and was incredibly thoughtful and insightful.

Annette was passionate about animal rescue and gave a loving home to many rescue dogs.

Annette leaves behind her loving family, including her son, Thomas Rice and his wife, Christine; her daughter, Adrienne Palinko and her husband, Tom; her brother, John Santamaria and his wife, Liz; her sisters Diane Hamilton and Sandra Tremblay; her adoring grandchildren, Jacob, Kacey and Levi; and several nieces and nephews.

Annette’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Her funeral service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to The Humane Society of the United States (www.humanesociety.org).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.