Janice Elaine (Beebe) Guild passed away 13 April 2007 at home surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Janice was born in New London, CT on 23 February 1936, one of four children born to Clifford and Edith (Nelson) Beebe. She graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in 1954 where she was the Captain of the baton twirling team. Janice received many medals and accolades for her baton twirling including becoming the State Champion. Her talents extended to the world of dance where she toured with the Gae Foster Roxyettes. She was a prima ballerina and later taught tap and ballet at the Latham School of Dance. Janice showcased her dancing talents on the NBC Ted Mack Amateur Hour and the Russ Emery New England Talent Club Television show.
Janice wed Ward H. Guild in 1957, and left showbiz behind to start a family. Janice continued working while caring for her son and 2 daughters, including working as a waitress at the Garde Restaurant, M.J.’s Restaurant and the Roller Skating Rink in Groton. Janice also worked for Sheffield Tube for many years where she made many friends that she kept in touch with through the years.
Janice had a kind word and smile for practically everyone she met. She loved to talk to people and would strike up conversations anywhere.
Janice loved the casino and spending time with family and friends but her biggest love in life were her grandchildren, John and Tommy Guild and Adam Griffin. She loved to spoil them and they entertained her endlessly with their company. The door was always open to their friends and she became loved by them also.
She is survived by her husband, Ward H. Guild of Groton, her daughter Deborah L. Guild of Groton, her daughter and son in law Tracy and Christopher Griffin of Groton; her brothers and sister in laws Clifford and Margie Beebe of Mystic, William and Jackie Beebe of Groton, Thomas and Marcia Beebe of Mystic and sister in law Sandra Guild of Groton; grandchildren John and Thomas Guild, and Adam Griffin of Groton; nieces Katie Beebe of Boston and Lisa Sullivan of Groton; nephews Mark Beebe of Mystic, Garretson Beebe of Boston, Michael and Timothy Beebe of Groton, nephew and wife Keith and Kim Beebe of Pawcatuck.
In addition to family Janice left many dear close friends including Lawrence Postrean of Groton, Beverly and Pete Kilpatrick of Groton, Delberta Novicki of Mystic, Fern Fernald of Groton, Dale and Jeanette Peterson of Ledyard, and Ethel Ladd of Florida.
She is predeceased by her son Steven Guild and her nephew Bruce Beebe.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday from 11am-12:45pm, followed by a service at 1pm. The Rev. Mark Porizky, Pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery.
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