Barbara Rice

Barbara A. (Whiting) Rice passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, at UMASS Memorial Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster, MA, after a long illness. Barbara was predeceased by her beloved father and mother, Harold F. Whiting and Marjorie P. Whiting.

She leaves her loving family, daughter Debbie (John) Forth of Templeton, MA, with whom she lived, Monique (Kevin) Manion of Turners Falls, MA, and her son Michael Parviainen. She also leaves her brother, David (Francine) Whiting of Templeton, MA, and sister, Patricia (Stephen) Cormier of Gardner, MA. Her grandchildren, Kristina Baker, Kaitlyn Forth, Danielle Forth, Brianna Beckwith, and her great-grandson, Jackson Draeger. Also, her niece Laura Cormier, with whom she had a special bond, and her four nephews, David G. Whiting, Jeffrey Cormier, and Daryl and Randy Richard, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Barbara enjoyed trips to the casino, taking rides with Patty and Steve, and her card games every Wednesday night with her family and friends. Most of all, she loved being with her family. She was affectionately known as Barbie, Bar, and Barbarina to family.

Barbara graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1966. She worked numerous administrative jobs in Gardner, retiring in 2010.

Barbara was a humble, loving, kind, and compassionate person but also spirited, feisty, and had a resiliency that helped her to overcome many obstacles in her life.

Barbara, our Mom, Gram, Gigi, sister, aunt and friend, will be missed and forever in our hearts.

A calling hour for Barbara will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 10 -11 a.m. in the Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440, with a service to be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Gardner, MA

If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please do so to the charity of your choice.