Janice MacNeil Mendes, a long time community leader in Marion, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2007, at the age of 78.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts on May 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late John L. and Ruah DeWitt MacNeil.
During her 50 years in Marion, Janice was pro-active in safeguarding and preserving the integrity of Marion for current and future generations. She served 15 years on the Conservation Commission. More recently, she lent a strong supporting voice for managing Marion’s growth through various organizations, including being a founding member of the Citizens for Responsible Growth, a member of Marion Housing Committee and Community Preservation Committee.
In the late 1970’s, Janice developed a passion for stock market investing. In this role she became the Boston chapter president of American Association of Individual Investors, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating individuals in financial investing. From 1995 to 2005 she served as a member of the NASD Board of Arbitration, overseeing grievances between investors and financial institutions.
Following a brief career with United Airlines and Hart Modeling agency, in 1956 Janice joined Clicquot Club Beverages where she was affectionately known as “Miss Lotta Sparkle.” As goodwill ambassador Lotta Sparkle, she traveled the United States proudly promoting Clicqout Club beverages. In 1957, she married Louis J. Mendes and moved to Marion in 1958.
She is survived by two daughters, Marcia Mott of Wareham and Ruah Purtell of Marion; two sons, Louis Mendes of Chicago and Glenn Mendes of Atlanta. She enjoyed six grandchildren, Marina, Christopher, Sarah, Darren, Emma and Max. She is also survived by four sisters, Jean Berry, Margery Dearborn, Barbara Fuller and Marcia Chapman.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 10 AM in Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, Marion.
Memorial Gifts in the name of Janice MacNeil Mendes may be made to The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). 14 Mitchell Blvd. San Rafael, Ca. 94903. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett.