Elizabeth (Claster) Rice

SALISBURY — Elizabeth (Claster) Rice, 52, of Dedham, Mass., passed away on Nov. 21, 2018, at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

Liddy, as she was affectionately known by her friends and family, was born in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 12, 1966. She was the eldest daughter of Bertram and Fredericka Claster of Lock Haven, Pa. 

Liddy was a beloved daughter and wife, devoted mother and mother-in-law, loving nanny, supportive sibling, adoring aunt and niece, and a fiercely loyal friend and dedicated teacher.

She is survived by her mother, Fredericka Claster of Lock Haven; her husband, John, of Dedham; her sons, John III, and his wife, Taylor, of Foxboro, Mass., Patrick Rice and Nicholas Rice at home in Dedham; a grandson, Robert John Rice; a sister, Carolyn Evans and her husband, Sean, of South Bend, Ind.; a brother, Samuel Claster and his wife, Patricia, of Waterford, Pa.; three nephews, Samuel Evans, Alexander Evans and Benjamin Claster; an aunt, Shirley Kennedy of Paoli, Pa.; an uncle, Louis Winner and his wife, Rose, of Lock Haven; and many loving cousins. 

Liddy’s father, Bertram Claster, older brother, Patrick Claster, and uncle, Delmont Kennedy preceded her in death.

Liddy is also survived by her mother-in-law, Denise Rice of Lakeville (widow of John Rice Sr.); two sisters-in-law, Jacquie Rice of Lakeville and Shelly Rice of North Canaan; a brother-in-law, Raymond Rice and his wife, Eunice, of Pittsfield, Vt.; and her nieces and nephews.

Liddy attended Lock Haven High School and graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Speech Therapy. She began her teaching career at the Children’s Development Center in Williamsport, Pa. 

Elizabeth was a longtime resident of Dedham, where she has lived since leaving her childhood home in Lock Haven, after she and John were married. 

Upon moving to Massachusetts, she was employed by the Waltham Pubic Schools, teaching at the Thomas R. Plympton Elementary School for 28 years. 

During those years, she was a member of the Special Education Department, serving as a Speech Therapist, teaching in an Intermediate Resource Room, as well as one year in the Learning Resource room. 

Liddy was a dedicated and loving teacher to her students. She defended and protected each and every one of them, as well as fought for their right to fair treatment in the education system.

Liddy loved, above all, to be in the mountains of Pennsylvania and on the waters of the Susquehanna River. She and her family spent many days at their Caldwell area family cabin, the Mohawk. Her fondest memories were of spending hours with her cousins playing in the woods, riding the many trails that the property offers and sharing Mohawk with her many friends. 

Liddy’s love of Mohawk and everything it represents has been handed down to her three sons. John, Patrick and Nick have embraced her love of the outdoors, especially for that of the land, as their mother did. Spending time on the river with her parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family instilled in Liddy a profound sense of family and tradition. From the rope swing, breakfast on the boat on a Sunday morning, lobster fests on the river lot to the feeling of the warm, clear water in August — these were feelings of home. If there was anywhere Liddy loved to be, it was with her family, at home in Pennsylvania. 

Liddy wanted to thank the people closest to her for teaching her, loving her and being in her life. Liddy was loved, is cherished, and will always be missed. In the years to come, her family hopes that you will hold her close in your mind and remember her spirit as they will.

There was a visitation on Nov. 26 at the George F. Doherty and Sons Funeral Home in Dedham. There will be a celebration of life in Lock Haven on Dec. 8. Details to be announced at a later date. The private burial will be at the Highland Cemetery in Lock Haven at the discretion of the family.

In lieu of flowers, Liddy’s family requests that you honor her memory with an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Highland Cemetery Company, P.O. Box 93, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745.