Barbara Burnham Rice
July 8, 1916- July 3, 2014
Barbara Burnham Rice, formerly of Sarasota, died on July 3, 2014 in Zionsville, IN.
Barbara was the eldest daughter of Philip and Mary Burnham. She was born in New York City on July 8, 1916. On February 24, 1940 she married John Muirhead Rice. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1998.
Barbara had two children, Philip Burnham Rice, who died while in high school, and Joan Rice Saxton of Zionsville, Indiana. Barbara is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Susan Brent Wise of Oakland, CA; Rebecca Rice Wise of New Albany, IN; and John Michael Rice Saxton of Austin, TX. Barbara had two younger sisters, Jane Eliason (deceased) and Nancy Henderer of Wilmington, DE.
Barbara spent many years moving throughout the United States and Europe as a part of her husband's employment with the DuPont Company. After retirement, she lived in Sarasota for more than 30 years.
Barbara graduated from Lasell College in Newton, MA. She was a member of the Colonial Dames and the Sarasota Chapter of the DAR. For many years she was an active member and officer of the PEO sisterhood. She was a member of the Bird Key Yacht Club and was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sarasota where she began the church's annual antique show. She and her husband John loved antiques and for several years owned the Bird Cage Antique Shop on Siesta Key. Barbara was an accomplished needlepointer, crafter, and artist.
A memorial service will be held in October, followed by an interment at the Lower Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, DE. Memorial contributions can be made to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at First United Methodist Church.