Helen “April” Rice
1954-2003
Helen “April” Rice, 49, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on December 19, 2003. Plagued by a congenital heart condition throughout her life, every day that she lived set a new medical record and gave new inspiration to her friends. She was a voracious reader and avid fan of science fiction and fantasy films. Many of you will remember her from various conventions as handicapped liaison.
She is survived by her mother, sisters, 27 nieces and nephews, 5 grand nieces and nephews, her housemate Richard Bolinski, her beloved cat Kahlua and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association, 2929 E. Thomas Rd., Phx, AZ 85015
“April had an influence on my life I don’t think she ever knew about. In a UFP video room at a fan gathering in Phoenix in 1989, she dropped straight lines for several of my puns that first attracted Moira’s attention.” - Randall Whitlock
An Order of The Phoenix
to
Helen "April" Rice
by Jeffrey Lu
A sweetheart who read Harry Potter,
Once have all T-shirts in every school,
Had no handicap
To all who knew her, too.
At LepreCon to CopperCon,
She attended her station
For volunteers and handicap helpers
In our staff situation.
She grinned with a heartful glee
In sharing and caring for you and me.
We loved her simple grace
Even her trials she'd face.
Now, I've been told she disappeared
From a friend of mine.
I raise my glass to April
After hearing an owl cried, "Hogwart's Find."