Emily Anne Rice

Emily Anne Rice, 49, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and more, passed away on February 6, 2026.

Emily was born in Bennington to William and Priscilla (Crawford) Rice on May 15, 1976. She was one of two children. It was during her early education, in sixth grade, Emily decided she was going to college. With her adamant nature, she achieved this goal and much more.

A Bennington native and a MAU graduate, Emily went on to get her first bachelor's degree at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. She majored in Biology. That same year, 1998, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Denue on August 22 at Saint Peter's Church in Bennington. The newlyweds left the church on a motorcycle, wedding dress and all. It was a day to remember. Soon after, she began furthering her education and earned her second bachelor's degree at Marywood University in Scranton, PA and became a physician’s assistant. Emily didn’t stop there, though. The last degree that she earned was through AT Still Arizona School of Health Science, where she completed her Master’s in Pediatrics.

Emily’s work was never just a job, it was a reflection of who she was. Her compassion, dedication, and genuine love for helping others left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Over the course of Emily’s career, she dedicated her talents to multiple practices throughout the community, including 13 years at SVMC before her passing. All that knew her admired her kindness, intelligence, determination and patience. She left not only a hole in our hearts, but in the medical community as well. Emily will be forever missed.

Although Emily had found the outlet for her gifts, she had many other interests and activities that provided her with joy. In her younger years, she liked to spend quality time at the family camp on Lake Champlain. Later in life, she especially loved traveling throughout the country with her husband Robert. They had recently enjoyed car camping during their adventures and had only begun to explore the opportunities that came with it. Emily loved to be outdoors hiking, biking and walking her beloved pup Naya. She loved being a mother and raising her children, though an active person, she also found solace in using her creative side. She took on painting and sculpting as a hobby and her shining persona will be forever missed.

In 2020, Emily’s skills as a caregiver were most cherished with her mother, Priscilla Rice, in her final months before passing later that year.

Emily is survived by her husband, Robert Denue. Her children, Natalie Denue and Owen Denue. Her father, William Rice. Her brother, Henrick Rice and his wife, Katie Rice, and their children. Also by a large extended family.

At the family’s request, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

If friends and relatives desire, contributions in memory of Emily Rice may be made to one's favorite charity through the office of EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home: 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.