Helen Bell Rice

Helen Bell Swaby Rice, 102, was born on August 29,1916, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She passed away February 21, 2019. She resided in Arcadia, California at the time of her passing. Helen was born to Mr. & Mrs. Edward Swaby. She had 4 sisters and 1 brother, Alice, Mary, Laura, Edna, and Edward. Her parents and siblings are all now deceased.
She was raised in Calgary but moved with her parents to California at the age of 17 in 1933.
Helen was a noted violinist with many music awards both in Canada and the United States. She holds an L.R.S.M. Degree from the London Royal Schools of Music.
Although she focused on her violin career she also studied piano and during her teaching years she gave many student recitals featuring both piano and violin students.
World War II found Helen working for the California Water and Telephone Company where she rose to Evening Chief Operator. Cal Water later became General Telephone then Verizon. After 38 years she retired in 1980 from the position of Traffic Service Inspector and in her retirement returned to her beloved teaching of piano and violin.
Helen is survived by her son Bill Lawrence Rice and so many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and their families.
At Helen's request there will be no formal services.
Helen asked that memorials be sent in her name to the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105 or to your favorite animal charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.