White River Jct., VT – Elisa Garcia Rice, 90, passed peacefully early Wednesday morning, May 18, 2022 at Valley Terrace in White River Jct., VT. Her loving husband Clayton Rice was by her side. Elisa was born on December 25, 1931 in Windsor, the daughter of Andres and Ramona Solana Garcia.

Elisa grew up in Hartland and attended the local grade school where she discovered her passion for music. Her natural talent for the piano and trumpet earned her an invitation to the Vermont Symphony before graduating from Windsor High School with the Class of 1949.

Elisa and Clayton met through their shared love of music when the Hartford High School invited Elisa to play trumpet with their band. Clayton also played trumpet in the band and the two found harmony in each other. They married in March of 1951 and music became an integral part of their lives together.

In 1990, along with her friend and fellow musician, Willie Black, Elisa took on the job of re-energizing the Upper Valley Community Band. Through their combined efforts, the two built the band to a membership of 70-100.

Elisa's musical talents did not stop there. Every year she eagerly joined the pit orchestra at the Lebanon Opera House for many professional musical productions. By performing, Elisa was able to share her passion for music with the community. Her impact continued when she lovingly taught music to young children in the greater Upper Valley, passing her musical talents on to numerous students over the years.

Elisa fostered a passion for horses, keeping a horse in her youth and throughout most of her life. She deeply enjoyed riding and caring for her horses, rescuing and owning several in her lifetime. In fact, Elisa was a lover of all animals and kept an assortment of chickens, goats, rabbits, geese, cats, and dogs at various points in time.

Elisa was a businesswoman. She and Clayton owned and operated their own family business, Vermont Cut Flower. Together they grew and developed the business into a household name in the Upper Valley and surrounding areas. Elisa's artistry, keen eye for detail and creativity for floral arrangements quickly became noticed, and she built a large and loyal client base throughout New England. There, is a family joke that, "you cannot go anywhere without bumping into someone for whom Elisa has done their wedding flowers."

Industry took notice of her talents, asking Elisa to participate in many floral seminars and design competitions over the years. Acknowledged as a leader in the field, Elisa could often be found as one of the featured expert floral designers on the panels of her peers. Elisa's floral talents led to her being selected to decorate a float at the Rose Bowl during a volunteer trip to the parade in Pasadena, CA.

To spend more time with her family, many friends, and passions, Elisa and Clayton sold Vermont Cut Flower and retired in 1999. She filled her summers playing in concerts and parades with Clayton until age 88. The Rice's camp on Mascoma Lake became one of her favorite places. She loved watching the sunset on the lake and especially loved hosting her beloved grandchildren at the camp for weekends or a summer escape. Elisa was extremely passionate about her three grandchildren, sharing with each of them her love of music and musical theater; coaching them under her watchful and caring eyes. She delighted in attending their concerts and plays, always with a bouquet of flowers to show her support, even if they hit a wrong note or missed a cue. Along with her good friend Cindy West, Elisa took up canning, and every autumn season created treats from the latest harvest. She always shared those treats with her family and friends. She was a talented seamstress creating home décor and beautiful quilts for her grandchildren; a talent she learned from her mother.

Furthermore, Elisa was an avid antique collector, amateur antique appraiser and spent much of her life buying and appreciating antiques. She became a friendly and well-known face alongside Clayton's at auctions throughout New England.

With her love for her community, Elisa volunteered at the Dothan Brook School helping children whose first language, like her own, was Spanish. She also volunteered for the Red Cross and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, NH.

As a parting word, the family wants to express their gratitude to Cindy West and everyone at Valley Terrace, Elisa's physician Dr. Jill Blumberg and her wonderful caregivers for the excellent care and support that they provided to Elisa in the last few years of her life. With your care, Elisa was able to age gracefully and lovingly.

Elisa is survived by her husband of 71 years, Clayton "Junior" S. Rice, Jr. of White River Jct., VT; her daughter, Carol Maxfield and her husband, Lowell of Cave Creek, AZ; her son, Philip Rice and his wife, Beth of Plymouth, MA; grandchildren, Alexa and her fiancé, James Mosel, Daniel and his wife, Michelle, and Madeleine; her brother, Raul Garcia and his wife, Elinor of Hartland, VT; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Roberto Garcia in 2019.

Her friends, family and members of the community are invited to join in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 2-5PM at her home at 1684 Christian Street, White River Junction, VT 05001.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to join in a Celebration of Life for Elisa on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 2-5PM at her home at 1684 Christian Street, White River Jct., VT 05001. Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be made to her family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com