Joan T. Dice

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Joan T. Dice, 83 died peacefully at home after a long battle with breast cancer on January 9, 2012.

She is survived and was surrounded by her 5 children and 15 grandchildren in the last months of her life: Dee Dice, long-time Martha’s Vineyard resident, now living in Florence, Kirk Dice (Polly, Kane, Dak, Elle) of Breckenridge Colo., Shelley Bauer and husband Pete (Luke, Haley) of Greenville S.C., Deborah Cebry (James and wife Deborah, Hannah, Sarah, Eric) of Burlington Conn., and Chip Dice and wife Bonnie (Greg, Jessi and Taylor) of Danbury Conn.

Joan also leaves her long-time companion, Hank Toepke, as well as numerous friends from neighbors, birders to red hats, bridge club and her beloved dog, Ginger. She also leaves Claudia Uribe and her family, an exchange student from Colombia who called her mom for many years. She is preceded in death by her sister, Betty, and brother-in-law, George Rice, and she leaves behind her nephew, Michael Rice, of Colorado Springs Colo.

She was born January 27, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, and went to State University of Iowa. In the 1950s she moved to New England and started her family. The main love of her life was raising her children.

She was employed by the YMCA, the Chapman School Library, The Duro Engineering Co and the Wepawaug-Flagg Credit Union. In her later years she was a member of Cheshire (Conn.) Junior Women’s Club, The Cheshire Garden Club, American Field Service, the Cheshire Red Hat Society as well as numerous bridge groups. She loved being active in her life and that included traveling, skiing, bird watching, gardening or simply being in nature.

Joan was a loving mother and a loyal friend to all who touched her life. She was loved by all and will be missed by many. Her ashes will be brought to Martha’s Vineyard, a place she loved.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, January 14, from 1 to 3:30 pm, at The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St. A service will be held at 3:30 pm. Memorial donations in Joan’s name may be made to the Outdoor Garden Space, Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, St. Raphael’s Hospital, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, Ct 06511. To view these arrangements online, send a condolence, or light a memorial candle please visit www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com.