Jean Marie Rice

Jean Marie Rice, 80, of Long Beach, CA, passed away on July 02, 2024. Jean was born on March 23, 1944 to Peter and Lillian Brooks in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from Lynwood High School, she went on to study Sociology at California State University, Los Angeles. Upon her graduation in 1966, she earned an elementary teaching credential and was hired as a second-grade teacher in the Downey Unified School District where she worked from 1967-1972. Jean loved being a teacher and was well-respected by her colleagues and administrators. However, after the birth of her eldest son, Jason, the family decided to work together to allow Jean to dedicate her life to being a mother. She continued to stay home and raise her boys after the birth of her youngest son, Greg, in 1976.

Following her divorce, Jean went back to work, this time at the Northrop Grumman Corporation, where her father, Jason, and Greg’s Papa, worked. She cherished those years working with her dad and remained in administration at Northrop until she retired with over 20 years of dedicated service.

Jean excelled at loving her sons and grandchildren unconditionally and supported them through all of the passions and experiences of their lives. Whether that was through Jason and Greg’s many sports commitments as kids, or later watching the grandkids in their sports and theater performances, she always quietly involved herself in the lives of her family. She tried to never make a fuss, she just wanted them to know she was there, and she loved them. She maintained her memories through detailed scrapbook albums and was a passionate gardener. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found in her yard, pruning or weeding and caring for her beloved roses. We will miss her tremendously.

Jean was predeceased by her parents and by brothers John and Richard Brooks. We have peace knowing they are reunited in Heaven. She is survived by sons Greg Rice and Jason (Jenna) Rice, grandchildren Joseph and Caitlyn Rice and Victoria and Justice Karr, sisters-in-law Jackie and Sharon Brooks, as well as several nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life at the Thomas Miller Mortuary, 1118 E. 6th St. Corona on Tuesday, July 23rd at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the home of Jason and Jenna Rice.