Lillian Margaret Delperdang Rice

Mom came to Portland in1942 to work in the shipyards. She stayed on in Portland and as she was an accomplished seamstress, opened her own shop. It was called The Children’s Shop and Gifts and was located on 34th and Hawthorne.

There was a nice man named Mike Rice that lived in the same apartment building as she did. They got to know each other, fell in love and married in February of ’47. In 1950 they bought their house on Grant Street. While raising her 4 children, mom used her sewing skills to doing alterations and repairs for friends. She made most of her own clothes as well as clothes for the rest of the family. When several of her children were working for Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor, she contacted the owner and purposed a new uniform design for the girls. They accepted it and our basement turned into a clothing factory.

Another one of mom’s greatest joys was her church. She has spent hours as a volunteer in many different areas. A few of her talents were arranging flowers for the altar, creating dozens of banners, teaching religious education to the children and sewing for the Sisters at St Stephen’s and at Our Lady of Peace Retreat House.

Mom loved her grandchildren. Someone was always over at Grandma’s making crafts, baking cookies or spending the night. Her great grandchildren were also a great source of joy for her. She could hardly wait to hold the newest member of our family.

Mom has many longtime friends. Many of these dear friends are from her years as a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. Their continued love and support was a very special gift and she appreciated their visits so much.

She was predeceased by her husband, Mike in 1991. She is survived by brother Charles of Colorado, Arthur of South Carolina and her sister Mary of Michigan , her 4 children Matt, (Neena) of Portland, Mitch (Cheryl) of Milwaukie, Paula (Dale) of Oregon City and Chuck (Judy) of Gresham. She has 11 grandchildren, Allison, Melissa, Sarah, Chuck, Breanna, Stephanie, Rebecca, Catherine, Amanda, Kristin, and Jene. 17 Great grandchildren, Andrew, Zach, Ethan, Josh, Noah, Kate, Brody, Bevan, Ben, Lillian, Bobby, Callan, Penelope, Renay, Michael, Violet and Fenn.

Arrangements under the direction of Zeller Chapel Of The Roses