Diane Montgomery Rice died at home in New London on June 19, 2023.

Diane was born in 1942 in Exeter, daughter of Dr. Willard and Mrs. Clara Montgomery. She graduated from Abbot Academy, Wellesley College, and Middlebury College Language School. Diane was good at everything she did: student, wife, mother, friend, and teacher.

Diane married Charles Rice in 1965. They had a son, Luke Rice, and daughter, Kate Nilan. After the children were old enough, Diane began teaching high school French. She was honored as a Presidential Teacher while at Westwood, Massachusetts High School.

Diane was Francophile. She majored in French, lived in France for eight years, spoke as a native, cooked in the French way, sent her children to French public school, taught high school French, and had French friends until her death.

Diane led an exemplary life. She taught by inspiration. Diane saw the good in others. That made her easy to like. She made friends quickly and kept them.

Diane is survived by her husband, son, daughter, and granddaughters Ozette, Magali, Emma, and Nora.

Those wishing to honor Diane’s life with a gift can consider the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial service will be planned.