Ann Denise (Peatie) Rice Wyer of Wellfleet died on Dec. 8, 2023 with her family by her side. A former resident of Wethersfield, Conn., she was 84.
Denise was born in Hartford, Conn. to the late James D. and Helen (Donovan) Peatie. She attended St. Augustine School, Mount St. Joseph Academy, and Bulkeley High School, and she enjoyed a varied career before retiring to Wellfleet, including working for the Hartford Electric Light Co. Her favorite and longest held job was at Apostle & Nelson in West Hartford. The Nelson family held a special place in her heart.
Denise was guided in life by her faith. She adored her time with her children and grandchildren, the special Donovan cousins, the Kirkpatrick cousins of Scotland, her loving nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. She loved all things family and Cape Cod.
She was the beloved wife of Herbert S. Wyer for 20 years before his death in 2013.
Denise is survived by her sister, Barbara Peatie of Holliston, and by her children: William P. Rice and wife Michelle of Wellfleet, Timothy J. Rice and wife Tina of Westborough, Michael C. Rice and wife Heidi of Milford, Conn., and Catherine M. Gallo and husband Douglas of Franklin. She also leaves three stepchildren: Theresa Dehm and husband Brian, Kathy O’Keefe, and Carol Fitzsimmons and husband Paul.
Denise embraced being “Grandma Cape Cod” to grandchildren Patrick, Conor, Sara, and Keegan Rice; Olivia, Fiona, and Lucy Rice; Liam, Sean, Catherine, Colleen, and Jake Rice; and Hannah, Jack, and Grace Gallo. She is also survived by step-grandchildren Jason, Kevin, and Ryan Dehm; Michael and Matthew O’Keefe; Andrew and Emma Fitzsimmons; and Carolyn and Douglas Crosen; and by four great-grandchildren.
Denise was predeceased by her sister Virginia Larkin; her brother, James (Scotty) Peatie; her first husband, William Rice; her stepdaughter Patricia Crosen; and her step-granddaughter Jennifer Crosen.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc, 61 Canal Road, Orleans. Burial will be private.
