Brooke Rice & Calhoun Family Fund

Brooke Rice, just 16,  passed away tragically in a car accident Saturday night, June 30th 2018 in Naples, Florida.  She was the youngest daughter of 5 to Tammy and David Calhoun, sister to Tyler, Rachel, Marissa, Kaylee, aunt to Asher and Kai, a loving granddaughter and true friend. This sudden loss leaves so many people devastated. Brooke attended grade school at St. Elizabeth Seton and upon graduating went on to attend St. John Neumann High School. From a young age Brooke always stood out of the crowd. This was not only because of her beauty, but her personality would light up any room she entered. She had a way to make those around her feel incredibly loved. Brooke had a laugh that contagious couldn't even begin to describe. She would do anything she could to make you smile regardless of how silly it made her look. She was a passionate, loving, and dedicated young woman who saw the good in everything.  Brooke was a beam of light always shining in the lives of those around her. 

I had the pleasure to watch Brooke grow into the beautiful, smart, and strong young woman that she was. She was around 7 years old the first time I met her and was this little ball of excitement, happiness, and love. I knew from that moment, that she would change the lives of those she entered. I will never forget all of the amazing memories from beach trips, picking her up at school, watching her sporting events, and just watching her blossom into the young lady she became. Brooke was a true athlete, one I only wish I could compare too. Once she started high school, I knew she would truly blossom. I once set a record at Neumann for Track & Field, and the first day of her practice freshman year, I reminded her and told her that I only wanted HER to beat it. This year, Brookie qualified for states in THREE of her events and she blew my record out of the water!! I was beyond proud of her because I know what it took for her to get there. She was a fierce, strong, and hard working young lady who did everything she could to better herself and those around her.

Grief is unpredictable and has no right path; it is different for all of us. It is especially complicated with unpredictable deaths. It takes time - as much as you need - and a gentleness to work through the many layers of your feelings, for you to feel able to breathe again. If there was one thing about Brookie that always stood out to me, it was her desire to be happy and make others happy as well. In the time of this tragedy, she would want us all to hold the memories of her close to our hearts. She would encourage us to look for signs or symbols that connect us to her: the breeze on your skin, the birds chirping in the distance, a beautiful sunset, or a reminder of an inside joke. Don't let this loss strip your mind from all of the happiness Brooke filled it with. Hold your memories tight, and loved ones close.

This fund is to help the Rice/Calhoun family ease their burden of financial stresses during the time of this tragic loss. Any amount you can give is truly a blessing. The family is beyond grateful to those of you sending prayers and words of comfort, and is appreciative of all the love and support during this time. Brooke’s family has decided to start a scholarship at St. John Neumann in her honor. Any amount of money that is left over from the expenses of this tragedy, or money donated after the goal is reached, will be donated to The Brooke Rice Scholarship Fund. 

"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand  at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die." - Mary Elizabeth Frye 



With much love, 
Gabby Venne