Mary A. (Rice) Palmer

Mary Ada (Rice) Palmer, 68, of Springdale, passed away on  February 28th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones after a long, courageous journey with metastatic breast cancer. 

Mary was born on August 12th, 1957 to her parents, the late Warren and Frances (DeVenuta) Rice in Exeter, California. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose life was defined by selflessness, resilience, and deep compassion for others.

Mary was raised in California with her three siblings, Theresa Showalter of Visalia, CA, Debbie (Dickie) Minchue of Handford, CA and Warren (Penny) Rice of Springer, NM. She met her husband of 51 years, Bruce, while he was stationed in Lemoore, CA with the United States Navy. Together they left the west coast and built a beautiful life on the east coast, raising three daughters of whom she was endlessly proud, Heather (Dennis) Green of North Huntingdon, Dawn (Peter) Frejkowski of Allegheny Township, and April (John) Zeiner of Indiana Township. Together, they worked tirelessly to provide for their family, modeling perseverance, humility, and unconditional love.

Mary spent much of her career as a CNA at St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars, a role she greatly cherished. She cared for her residents with tenderness and dignity, working long night shifts and continuing even through cancer treatments until her retirement in 2021.

Above all, Mary lived for her family. Her grandchildren, Grammy’s little chickens as she so affectionately referred to them, were her greatest joy, Hannah Crawford, Emmaleigh Crawford, Madelyn Frejkowski, Luke Frejkowski, Elias Zeiner and Corbin Zeiner. Even in her final days, Mary’s only concern was always for the people she loved. When asked what she needed, her only request was for her family to take care of one another. 

If you ever met Mary, you’ve heard her unforgettable laugh. She found happiness in simple pleasures and loved bingo, Diet Coke, swimming, playing Yahtzee, Scrabble and poker. Nobody rooted harder or louder for the Steelers. Her other loves included the beach, butterflies, and anything purple. Mary adored her dog, Max, and spoiled him with endless treats and belly rubs. 

Mary’s legacy lives on in the kindness she showed, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave to everyone around her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved. 

Mary’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at AHN Cancer Institute at Allegheny Valley Hospital, especially Dr. Jyothika Mamadgi, as well as Jennifer from AHN Healthcare at Home and Nicole and Michelle from OSPTA Hospice. 

At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral services. Instead, wear your brightest purple, hit up a bingo, buy that winning lottery scratcher and enjoy a Pina Colada in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary’s name to the Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company #1.

851 Parkview Drive 

Harwick, PA 15049

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